catapult
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkætəˌpʌlt/
KK: /ˈkætəˌpʌlt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To spring or launch forward suddenly and forcefully.
Example
The athlete catapulted into the air during the long jump.
Tense Forms
Past: catapulted
Past Participle: catapulted
Conversation
Did you see how fast that car catapulted off the ramp?
Yeah, it was insane! I've never seen anything like it.
I wonder how they get the cars to catapult like that.
It must be some kind of special technique they use.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
launch
hurl
propel
Antonyms
land
settle
remain
noun
Definition
A device used to launch objects, especially in ancient warfare, or to propel aircraft from a ship.
Example
The soldiers used a catapult to launch stones over the castle walls.
Conversation
Did you see that old movie with the giant catapult?
Yeah! It was so cool how they used it in battles.
I love how they depicted the catapult launching those huge rocks.
transitive verb
Definition
To throw or launch something with great force, similar to how a catapult works.
Example
The engineer used a catapult to launch the small model into the air.
Tense Forms
Past: catapulted
Past Participle: catapulted
Conversation
Did you see how they catapult those pumpkins at the festival?
Yeah, it was so much fun to watch!
I can't believe how far they could catapult them.
Root Explanation
Catapult is formed from "cata-" (from Greek "kata", meaning down or against) and "pultare" (from Latin "pulsare", meaning to drive or push). The word describes a device that drives or pushes objects down or against a target.
Memory Tip
Think of a device that 'pushes down' ('cata-') something with force ('pultare') — that's how a catapult works.
Visually Confused Words
capulet