Catapulted: meaning, definitions and examples

🚀
Add to dictionary

catapulted

 

[ ˈkætəˌpʌltɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

literal movement

To catapult means to launch something or someone with great force, often into the air. It can refer to the action of using a device known as a catapult, which utilizes energy to fling an object at a high speed. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden or rapid advancement in status, power, or success. In modern contexts, it can symbolize being propelled into prominence or a new phase in life.

Synonyms

hurl, launch, project, propel

Examples of usage

  • The stone was catapulted over the wall.
  • She was catapulted to fame after the movie premiere.
  • They catapulted into the lead during the race.
  • He catapulted himself onto the professional scene.

Translations

Translations of the word "catapulted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 catapultado

🇮🇳 कैटापल्ट किया गया

🇩🇪 katapultiert

🇮🇩 diluncurkan

🇺🇦 катапультований

🇵🇱 katapultowany

🇯🇵 カタパルトされた

🇫🇷 catapulté

🇪🇸 catapultado

🇹🇷 fırlatılan

🇰🇷 투사된

🇸🇦 مقذوف

🇨🇿 katapultovaný

🇸🇰 katapultovaný

🇨🇳 弹射的

🇸🇮 katapultiran

🇮🇸 katapultaður

🇰🇿 катапульттелген

🇬🇪 კატაპულტირებული

🇦🇿 katapult edilmiş

🇲🇽 catapultado

Etymology

The term 'catapult' originates from the Latin word 'catapultā', which means a throwing device. This Latin term is derived from 'cata-' meaning 'down' and 'pulsare' meaning 'to drive'. The concept of catapults dates back to ancient times when these devices were used in warfare to hurl projectiles at enemy fortifications. As technology progressed, the design of catapults evolved, resulting in various forms such as the ballista and trebuchet. The word has since expanded beyond its military origins to encompass any mechanism or method of forcefully launching or propelling something, reflecting advancements in both language and technology. In contemporary usage, 'catapult' also metaphorically signifies a sudden rise to success or prominence, which has been increasingly popular in discussions around personal development and career trajectories.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,734, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.