catapult

[ kat-uh-puhlt, -poolt ]
/ ˈkæt əˌpʌlt, -ˌpʊlt /

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to be catapulted.
to move or spring up suddenly, quickly, or forcibly, as if by means of a catapult: The car catapulted down the highway. When he heard the alarm he catapulted out of bed.

Origin of catapult

1570–80; < Latin catapulta < Greek katapéltēs, equivalent to kata- cata- + péltēs hurler, akin to pállein to hurl

OTHER WORDS FROM catapult

cat·a·pul·tic, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for catapulted

British Dictionary definitions for catapulted

catapult
/ (ˈkætəˌpʌlt) /

noun

a Y-shaped implement with a loop of elastic fastened to the ends of the two prongs, used mainly by children for shooting small stones, etc US and Canadian name: slingshot
a heavy war engine used formerly for hurling stones, etc
a device installed in warships to launch aircraft

verb

(tr) to shoot forth from or as if from a catapult
(foll by over, into, etc) to move precipitately she was catapulted to stardom overnight

Word Origin for catapult

C16: from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapeltēs, from kata- down + pallein to hurl