Meaning of catapult in English

  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 »
  2. 2. hurl as if with a sling

  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 »
  4. 2. a device that launches aircraft from a warship
  5. 3. medieval artillery used during sieges

    Examples

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