Definition

1. Noun:

   • A medieval siege engine: A large military device used historically to hurl stones or other projectiles over long distances during sieges.
   • A device for launching aircraft: A mechanical apparatus on the deck of an aircraft carrier that launches planes into the air at high speed.
   • A handheld toy: A Y-shaped stick with an elastic band attached, used by children to shoot small stones or other objects.

2. Verb:

   • To hurl or launch forcefully: To throw or propel something, especially with great speed and force, as if from a catapult.
   • To cause to move or rise suddenly and rapidly: To be propelled or to propel someone/something into a new state or position very quickly.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The ancient castle's defenders used a catapult to repel the invaders.
  • The fighter jet was launched from the aircraft carrier's catapult.
  • The boy made a simple catapult from a forked stick and a rubber band.

• Verb:

  • The explosion catapulted debris across the street.
  • The viral video catapulted the unknown singer to fame almost overnight.

Advanced Usage

• "to be catapulted into the spotlight/public eye": To suddenly become very famous or the center of public attention.

  • The young actress was catapulted into the spotlight after her award-winning performance.

• "to catapult someone/something to the top/forefront": To cause someone or something to quickly achieve a leading position.

  • The innovative design catapulted the small company to the forefront of the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Catapulting (gerund/participle): The act of launching or being launched forcefully.

  • The catapulting of the spacecraft required immense power.

• Catapultic (adj., rare): Relating to or resembling a catapult.

  • The catapultic force of the ejection seat.

Synonyms

• Noun (siege engine): Trebuchet, ballista, mangonel, onager.
• Noun (launcher): Launcher, slingshot (for the toy).
• Verb: Hurl, fling, propel, launch, shoot.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Catapult forward/into/to: These prepositions are commonly used with the verb to indicate direction or result.
  • The new evidence catapulted the investigation forward.
  • The economic crisis catapulted the country into chaos.

Related Idioms

• "A catapult to success/fame": Something that causes a very rapid rise to success or fame.
  • That role was her catapult to fame.

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