Dictionary
1catapult
noun cat·a·pult \ˈka-tə-ˌpəlt, -ˌpu̇lt\
: an ancient weapon used for throwing large rocks
: a device for launching an airplane from the deck of an aircraft carrier
Full Definition of CATAPULT
1
: an ancient military device for hurling missiles
2
: a device for launching an airplane at flying speed (as from an aircraft carrier)
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Illustration of CATAPULT
Origin of CATAPULT
Middle French or Latin; Middle French catapulte, from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapaltēs, from kata- + pallein to hurl
First Known Use: 1577
Rhymes with CATAPULT
2catapult
verb
: to throw (something) with a catapult
: to cause (someone or something) to quickly move up or ahead or to a better position
: to quickly move up or ahead : to quickly advance to a better position
Full Definition of CATAPULT
transitive verb
: to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult
intransitive verb
: to become catapulted <he catapulted to fame>
See catapult defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CATAPULT
1848
Related to CATAPULT
CATAPULT Defined for Kids
1catapult
noun cat·a·pult \ˈka-tə-ˌpəlt\
Definition of CATAPULT for Kids
1
: an ancient military machine for hurling stones and arrows
2
: a device for launching an airplane from the deck of a ship
2catapult
verb
cat·a·pult·edcat·a·pult·ing
Definition of CATAPULT for Kids
1
: to throw by or as if by a catapult <She catapulted herself out of the door. — Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy>
2
: to quickly advance <The movie role catapulted her to fame.>
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