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catapult

catapult definition

cata·pult (kat′ə pult′, -po̵olt′)

noun

an ancient military contrivance powered by either torsion or tension used for throwing or shooting stones, spears, etc.
Brit. a slingshot
a type of launcher that provides the force to hurl an airplane, missile, etc. from a deck or ramp to provide an initial high speed
a device for ejecting a person from an airplane

Etymology: L catapulta < Gr katapeltēs < kata-, down, against + base of pallein, to toss, hurl

transitive verb

to shoot or launch from or as from a catapult; hurl

intransitive verb

to be catapulted; move quickly; leap

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.