Catapult Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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catapult
[หkatษหpสlt ]
Definitions
weapon
A device used to hurl objects a great distance, typically in warfare.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| trebuchet |
Exclusively used in historical contexts to describe a specific type of medieval siege engine that uses a counterweight to throw projectiles.
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| launcher |
Typically refers to modern devices designed to launch missiles, rockets, or other projectiles. Often used in military or aerospace contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The soldiers used a catapult to launch rocks at the enemy forces.
- The ancient Greeks used catapults to defend their cities.
toy
A small handheld device with a projecting arm for flinging small objects.
Synonyms
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| launcher |
This term is used in modern contexts to refer to devices or systems that launch rockets, missiles, or other objects into the air.
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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.
action
To hurl or launch something with great force.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| catapult |
Used when describing a sudden and forceful movement often with mechanical assistance.
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| hurl |
Ideal for situations involving throwing something with great force, often expressing anger or aggression.
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| launch |
Commonly used when referring to starting a significant action or event, or sending something into the air or space.
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| propel |
Used to describe something being moved forward, often with steady force.
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Examples of usage
- She catapulted the ball into the net with precision.
- The new technology catapulted the company to the top of the market.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'catapult'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'catapult' originated from the Greek word 'katapeltes', which means 'shield piercer'. Catapults have been used since ancient times as weapons of war, capable of launching projectiles over long distances with great force. Over the years, the design of catapults evolved, leading to various types such as trebuchets and ballistae. In modern times, catapults are also used in a recreational context, such as miniature toy catapults for entertainment.
See also: cat, catamount, cater, catlike, cattail, cattiness, catwalk.