noun
catapult
KA-tuh-puhlt
noun
1
A device for hurling or launching objects, historically used as a weapon.
"The castle was besieged with catapults hurling boulders."
2
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
1
To launch or hurl suddenly and with great force.
"The crash catapulted him through the windscreen."
2
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 notesIn 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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Etymology
From Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek katapeltes, from kata- ("down, against") plus pallein ("to hurl a missile").