noun

catapult

KA-tuh-puhlt

Catapult (noun) means a device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon. Example: “The castle was besieged with catapults hurling boulders.”

noun

A device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon.

"The castle was besieged with catapults hurling boulders."

A handheld device with a Y-shaped frame and elastic band for shooting small projectiles; a slingshot.

"The kids made a catapult out of a forked stick and a rubber band."

verb

To launch or hurl suddenly and with great force.

"The crash catapulted him through the windscreen."

To propel someone or something rapidly to a new level of success or attention.

"The viral video catapulted her to internet fame overnight."

How to Use Catapult

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA device (or weapon) for launching things, or figuratively, to suddenly propel someone to fame or success.

Common pairings

catapult to fame catapult someone into the spotlight

Word Forms

catapulted past tense, catapults plural, catapults singular

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The castle was besieged with _____ hurling boulders.

Etymology

From Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek katapeltes, from kata- ("down, against") plus pallein ("to hurl a missile").

Origin: Ancient Greek

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.

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Words With Greek Origins