Catapult: meaning, definitions and examples

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catapult

[ˈkatəˌpʌlt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weapon

A device used to hurl objects a great distance, typically in warfare.

Synonyms

launcher, sling, trebuchet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catapult	Can be used for both historical and modern contexts. Historically, it refers to a machine used in ancient and medieval times to launch projectiles. Modern use includes devices that launch objects or aircraft. 1 Ancient armies used the catapult to breach castle walls 2 The aircraft carrier has a catapult system to launch fighter jets
sling	Commonly refers to a simple weapon or device that uses a strap or string to throw stones or other small objects. Often associated with ancient or primitive combat. 1 David defeated Goliath with a single stone from his sling 2 Warriors in ancient tribes frequently used slings in battle
trebuchet	Exclusively used in historical contexts to describe a specific type of medieval siege engine that uses a counterweight to throw projectiles. 1 The invaders constructed a massive trebuchet to breach the fortress walls 2 Medieval reenactments often feature the use of trebuchets to demonstrate siege tactics
launcher	Typically refers to modern devices designed to launch missiles, rockets, or other projectiles. Often used in military or aerospace contexts. 1 The rocket launcher is a vital part of the defense system 2 The satellite was deployed into orbit using a powerful launcher

Examples of usage

The soldiers used a catapult to launch rocks at the enemy forces.
The ancient Greeks used catapults to defend their cities.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

toy

A small handheld device with a projecting arm for flinging small objects.

Synonyms

launcher, shooter, sling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catapult	This term is often used for historical or medieval contexts where a device is used to hurl large projectiles over a distance, usually in war settings. The castle was under attack, and the enemies used a catapult to breach the walls
sling	This term is often used to describe a simple handheld device used to throw stones or other small objects, commonly associated with ancient or primitive tools. David used a sling to defeat Goliath in the biblical tale
shooter	This term generally refers to a device or a person who shoots projectiles, such as a basketball player or a firearm. It has a broad use, including sports, video games, or weapons. The basketball player is known as an excellent shooter, scoring three-pointers with ease
launcher	This term is used in modern contexts to refer to devices or systems that launch rockets, missiles, or other objects into the air. The satellite was sent into orbit using a powerful rocket launcher

Examples of usage

The children enjoyed playing with a miniature catapult in the backyard.
He bought a toy catapult for his nephew as a birthday present.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

action

To hurl or launch something with great force.

Synonyms

hurl, launch, propel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
catapult	Used when describing a sudden and forceful movement often with mechanical assistance. The medieval soldiers used a catapult to break down the castle walls. The roller coaster catapulted the riders into the air.
hurl	Ideal for situations involving throwing something with great force, often expressing anger or aggression. He hurled the vase against the wall in a fit of rage. Protesters hurled rocks at the police.
launch	Commonly used when referring to starting a significant action or event, or sending something into the air or space. They plan to launch the new product next month. NASA will launch the satellite into orbit tomorrow.
propel	Used to describe something being moved forward, often with steady force. The wind propelled the sailboat across the lake. Her determination propelled her to achieve great success.

Examples of usage

She catapulted the ball into the net with precision.
The new technology catapulted the company to the top of the market.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'catapult' comes from the Greek words 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'pallein' meaning 'to throw'.
In Latin, it was known as 'catapulta', which referred to the same kind of throwing machine.
In the Middle Ages, catapults evolved into more complex siege engines used in battles.

Historical Use

Catapults were primarily used in ancient warfare, helping to fling heavy stones over castle walls.
During the Roman Empire, they became essential for siege tactics to break enemy defenses.
In the 14th century, they were replaced by cannons, but their principles are still studied in modern mechanics.

Modern Applications

Today, catapults are not just historical models; they are still used in experimental aircraft launches.
In some sports, such as the sport of 'catapulting', they are used to launch objects, offering a fun recreational activity.
Educational kits often use catapult designs to teach kids about physics and engineering principles.

Pop Culture

Catapults appear in video games and movies, often depicted as comical ways to launch characters or items.
The popular animated film 'The Lego Movie' features catapults as part of the action-packed scenes.
In the game 'Angry Birds', players use a slingshot mechanism that mimics the principle of a catapult to launch birds.

Physics

The principle behind a catapult is based on potential energy, which is stored when the arm is pulled back.
Once released, this potential energy converts to kinetic energy, launching the projectile into the air.
Catapults demonstrate important physics concepts, such as trajectory and velocity, making them popular in school projects.

Translations

Translations of the word "catapult" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catapulta

🇮🇳 मशीन

🇩🇪 Katapult

🇮🇩 ketapel

🇺🇦 катапульта

🇵🇱 katapulta

🇯🇵 カタパルト

🇫🇷 catapulte

🇪🇸 catapulta

🇹🇷 mancınık

🇰🇷 투석기

🇸🇦 منجنيق

🇨🇿 katapult

🇸🇰 katapult

🇨🇳 弹射器

🇸🇮 katapult

🇮🇸 katapúlt

🇰🇿 катапульта

🇬🇪 კატაპულტა

🇦🇿 katapult

🇲🇽 catapulta

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,169, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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27166 greenbacks
27167 sax
27168 paleness
27169 catapult
27170 monism
27171 critiqued
27172 forger
...