catapult

/'kætəpʌlt/

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Word: Catapult

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Basic Definition: A catapult is a device that can launch or hurl objects, especially large stones or other missiles. It was used in medieval times during battles, particularly in sieges. It can also refer to a smaller toy that uses elastic to shoot small objects.

Noun Usage:

1. Medieval Catapult: A large machine used to throw heavy stones at enemies or walls during a battle.
   • Example: The army used a catapult to break down the castle walls.
2. Toy Catapult: A Y-shaped stick with elastic that children use to shoot small stones or other items.
   • Example: The kids played with their catapults at the park, launching small balls into the air.
3. Aircraft Launching Device: A mechanism that helps launch airplanes from warships.
   • Example: The navy used a catapult to send the fighter jet into the sky.

Verb Usage:

To catapult means to launch or hurl something very quickly or powerfully. - Example: The athlete catapulted the javelin across the field.

Advanced Usage:

In a metaphorical sense, "catapult" can describe a sudden rise or advance in status or position. - Example: The new technology catapulted the company to the top of the market.

Word Variants:

• Catapulted (verb): The past tense of catapult.
  • Example: The team catapulted to victory in the final match.
• Catapulting (verb): The present participle.
  • Example: She is catapulting her career forward with innovative ideas.

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Launching Device: As described above, a mechanism for throwing objects.
2. Figurative Advancement: Referring to a significant increase in success or status.

Synonyms:

• Launch
• Hurl
• Propel
• Toss
• Sling

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include “catapult,” but you could say: - Catapult into action: To suddenly start doing something with energy. - Example: After the announcement, the team catapulted into action to prepare for the event.

Summary:

A catapult can refer to both a historical weapon and a simple toy. As a verb, it describes the action of launching something. It's often used in a literal sense but can also describe a sudden rise in success.

Academic

Noun

1. an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
2. a device that launches aircraft from a warship
3. a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones

Verb

1. hurl as if with a sling
2. shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult
   • the enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort

Synonyms

• arbalest
• arbalist
• ballista
• bricole
• mangonel
• onager
• trebuchet
• trebucket
• launcher
• slingshot
• sling