catapultnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈkæt.ə.pʌlt/us/ˈkæt̬.ə.pʌlt/a device that can throw objects at a high speed:
In the past, armies used catapults to hurl heavy stones at enemy fortifications.
On that type of aircraft carrier, a catapult was used to help launch aircraft.
UK US slingshot a Y-shaped stick or piece of metal with a piece of elastic (= material that stretches) attached to the top parts, used especially by children for shooting small stones
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Arms & munitions in general
- air-to-air
- air-to-ground
- ammo
- ammunition
- anti-aircraft
- arsenal
- battering ram
- battledress
- breastplate
- bulletproof
- CS gas
- mustard gas
- nerve gas
- ordnance
- poison gas
- sarin
- stab vest
- strategic
- tear gas
- WMDs
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Hand weapons
Toys & dolls
catapultverb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
uk/ˈkæt.ə.pʌlt/us/ˈkæt̬.ə.pʌlt/to throw someone or something with great force:
When the two vehicles collided, he was catapulted forwards.
be catapulted into sth
to suddenly experience a particular state, such as being famous:
The award for best actress meant that almost overnight she was catapulted into the limelight.
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Throwing
- cast
- chuck
- flick
- fling
- heave
- hurl
- overhand
- peg
- pelt
- project
- projectile
- sling
- slung
- stone
- throw
- throw-in
- thrown
- toss
- underarm
- underhand
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Fame and famous