catapult
(kætəpʌlt )
Word forms: catapults , catapulting , catapulted
1. countable noun
A catapult is a device for shooting small stones. It is made of a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic tied between the two top parts. [British]
regional note: in AM, use slingshot2. countable noun
A catapult is a device that is used to send aircraft into the air from an aircraft carrier.
3. verb [Also VERB noun preposition/adverb]
If someone or something catapults or is catapulted through the air, they are thrown very suddenly, quickly, and violently through it.
We've all seen enough dummies catapulting through windscreens in TV warnings to know the dangers of not wearing seat belts. [VERB preposition]
He was catapulted into the side of the van. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: shoot, pitch, plunge, toss
4. verb
If something catapults you into a particular state or situation, or if you catapult there, you are suddenly and unexpectedly caused to be in that state or situation.
Suddenly she was catapulted into his jet-set lifestyle. [be VERB-ed + into]
Affleck catapulted to fame after picking up an Oscar. [VERB + to]
Image of catapult
© Sivadonv, Shutterstock
Translations:
Chinese: 弹弓
Japanese: パチンコ
- rented apartment
- rented flat
- rented house
- rent-free
- rent income
- rent increase
- rent land
- rent money
- rent out
- rent payment
- renunciation
- reoffend
- reopen
- reopen a case
- reopen a debate
- reopen a door
- reopen a mine
- reopen a negotiation
- reopen an inquiry
- reopen a school
- reopen a shop
- reopen old wounds
- reorganization
- reorganization plan
- reorganize