catapult
11 synonyms for catapult, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon.
“The castle was besieged with catapults hurling boulders.”
2. verb
To launch or hurl suddenly and with great force.
“The crash catapulted him through the windscreen.”
How to use catapult
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
catapult to fame
catapult someone into the spotlight
Etymology
From Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek katapeltes, from kata- ("down, against") plus pallein ("to hurl a missile").
Full origin of catapult →Frequently asked questions
What does “catapult” mean?
The word “catapult” means a device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon. In plain terms, a device (or weapon) for launching things, or figuratively, to suddenly propel someone to fame or success.
How do you pronounce “catapult”?
“Catapult” is pronounced KA-tuh-puhlt (/ˈkæ.tə.pʌlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “catapult” in a sentence?
Here is “catapult” used in a sentence: “The castle was besieged with catapults hurling boulders.”
What part of speech is “catapult”?
Depending on how it is used, “catapult” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “catapult” come from?
The word “catapult” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek katapeltes, from kata- ("down, against") plus pallein ("to hurl a missile").
How many meanings does “catapult” have?
“Catapult” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon.
