cat·a·pult [ˈkadəˌpəlt]
Catapult – Noun
- A device in which accumulated tension is suddenly released to hurl an object some distance, in particular.
- A military machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones or other missiles. “The knights of the old age used a catapult to assault the walls of the enemy castle.”
- A mechanical device for launching a glider or other aircraft, especially from the deck of a ship. “The catapult was bolted onto the deck of the air craft carrier.”
- A slingshot. “Jimmy, get the catapult and we'll kill this cat yet!”
- A military machine worked by a lever and ropes for hurling large stones or other missiles.
See Also: Trebuchet, Arbalest, Ballista
Catapult – Verb
- Hurl or launch (something) in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult. “The plane was refueled and catapulted back into the air again.”
- Move suddenly or at great speed as though hurled by a catapult. “The stallion catapulted away from the nearby gunshot.”
- Move suddenly or at great speed as though hurled by a catapult.
Origin: late 16th century: from French catapulte or Latin catapulta, from Greek katapeltēs, from kata- ‘down’ + pallein ‘hurl.’
See Also: Propel, Launch, Hurl, Fling