catapult
[noun]
Synonyms:
- sling, slingshot (U.S.)
[verb]
Synonyms:
- shoot, heave, hurl, pitch, plunge, propel

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. cat‧a‧pult¹ /ˈkætəpʌlt/ noun [countable]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: catapulta, from Greek katapaltes, from kata- ( ⇒ cataclysm) + pallein 'to throw strongly']

1. a large weapon used in former times to throw heavy stones, iron balls etc

2. British English a small stick in the shape of a Y with a thin rubber band fastened over the two ends, used by children to throw stones Synonym : slingshot American English

3. a piece of equipment used to send an aircraft into the air from a ship

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. catapult² verb

1. [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to push or throw something very hard so that it moves through the air very quickly:
Sam was catapulted into the air by the force of the blast.

2. catapult somebody to fame/stardom etc to suddenly make someone very famous:
A remarkable series of events catapulted her into the limelight.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲