Meaning of catapult in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈkædəˌpəlt/

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  1. Verb

    catapult

    Definitions

    1. shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult

    Examples

    • « the enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. hurl as if with a sling

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    catapult

    Etymology

    late 16th century: from French catapulte or Latin catapulta, from Greek katapeltēs, from kata-‘down’ + pallein‘hurl’

    Definitions

    1. a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms

    Examples

    • « used to propel small stones »

    Derived terms

  4. 2. a device that launches aircraft from a warship

    Derived terms

  5. 3. medieval artillery used during sieges

    Examples

    • « a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles »

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