# catapult

/ˈkætəˌpəɫt/ (US) · /kˈætɐpˌʌlt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/catapult
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. ancient weapon

noun · CEFR B2

a large wooden machine used in the past to throw heavy stones at enemies.

For teachers: a historical military engine designed to hurl large stones or other missiles.

- The army used a catapult to break down the walls of the castle.
- Historical accounts describe how the siege engines, including the massive catapult, were assembled on-site to breach the city's outer fortifications.

### 2. aircraft launcher

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine on a ship that helps planes take off from a short deck.

For teachers: a mechanical device on an aircraft carrier used to assist planes in achieving takeoff speed within a limited distance.

- The jet was launched from the ship's deck by a powerful steam catapult.
- Modern aircraft carriers utilize electromagnetic catapult systems to launch heavy fighter jets more efficiently than older steam-powered models.

### 3. handheld toy

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a small Y-shaped stick with a rubber band used for shooting small stones.

For teachers: a handheld device with a Y-shaped frame and elastic bands for shooting small projectiles.

- The boy used a catapult to hit a tin can on the fence.
- In British English, the term catapult refers to what Americans typically call a slingshot, often used by children for target practice.

### 4. to launch physically

verb · CEFR B2

to throw or shoot something through the air with great force.

For teachers: to hurl or launch something as if by a mechanical catapult.

- The car hit the barrier and catapulted the driver into the air.
- The sudden impact catapulted the loose equipment across the deck, posing a significant danger to the crew standing nearby.

### 5. to achieve success quickly

verb · CEFR B2

to suddenly move someone into a very successful or famous position.

For teachers: to cause someone or something to move suddenly and rapidly to a higher status or different condition.

- Her first movie catapulted her to fame almost overnight.
- The unexpected success of the startup's initial public offering catapulted the founders into the ranks of the country's wealthiest individuals.

## Examples

- The ancient army used a catapult to break the castle walls.
- The aircraft carrier uses a powerful steam catapult to help heavy fighter jets reach takeoff speed on a short runway.
- While the medieval catapult relied on tension and torsion to propel projectiles, its modern naval counterpart utilizes high-pressure steam or electromagnetic force to accelerate aircraft to flight velocity within seconds.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.