catapult
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a large wooden machine used in the past to throw heavy stones at enemies.
n.a historical military engine designed to hurl large stones or other missiles.
Simple“The army used a catapult to break down the walls of the castle.”
In context“Historical accounts describe how the siege engines, including the massive catapult, were assembled on-site to breach the city's outer fortifications.”
Synonymsballistatrebuchet - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a machine on a ship that helps planes take off from a short deck.
n.a mechanical device on an aircraft carrier used to assist planes in achieving takeoff speed within a limited distance.
Simple“The jet was launched from the ship's deck by a powerful steam catapult.”
In context“Modern aircraft carriers utilize electromagnetic catapult systems to launch heavy fighter jets more efficiently than older steam-powered models.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small Y-shaped stick with a rubber band used for shooting small stones.
n.a handheld device with a Y-shaped frame and elastic bands for shooting small projectiles.
Simple“The boy used a catapult to hit a tin can on the fence.”
In context“In British English, the term catapult refers to what Americans typically call a slingshot, often used by children for target practice.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to throw or shoot something through the air with great force.
v.to hurl or launch something as if by a mechanical catapult.
Simple“The car hit the barrier and catapulted the driver into the air.”
In context“The sudden impact catapulted the loose equipment across the deck, posing a significant danger to the crew standing nearby.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to suddenly move someone into a very successful or famous position.
v.to cause someone or something to move suddenly and rapidly to a higher status or different condition.
Simple“Her first movie catapulted her to fame almost overnight.”
In context“The unexpected success of the startup's initial public offering catapulted the founders into the ranks of the country's wealthiest individuals.”
“Photograph: CrazyLabs I started with Sled Surfers, where you catapult a character on a sled down an icy course, collecting coins and diamonds that you can use to improve your sled and catapult.”
“Researchers believe a young man buried inside a Scottish castle was a victim of the long-feared siege weapon, more powerful than a typical catapult.”
From Middle French catapulte, from Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek καταπέλτης (katapéltēs), from κατά (katá, “downwards, into, against”) + πάλλω (pállō, “I poise or sway a missile before it is thrown”). Doublet of catapulta.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.