chiefly Brit a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic material fixed between the two prongs, used for shooting small objects, e.g. stones

in former times, a military device used for hurling missiles

a device for launching an aircraft at flying speed, e.g. from an aircraft carrier

to throw or launch (a missile) by means of a catapult

to move or cause (somebody or something) to move suddenly or abruptly

She was catapulted from rags to riches overnight

to move suddenly or abruptly