catapult

To catapult is defined as to forcefully throw something.

(verb)

When you forcefully throw your book across the room, this is an example of a time when you catapult the book across the room.

The definition of a catapult is a military machine or other device that launches something with great force.

(noun)

A machine that can hurl something a far distance with great force is an example of a catapult.

See catapult in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

Origin: 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

See catapult in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A military machine for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, used in ancient and medieval times.
A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.
A slingshot.

verb cat·a·pult·ed, cat·a·pult·ing, cat·a·pults

verb, transitive

To hurl or launch from or as if from a catapult.

verb, intransitive

To become catapulted; spring or bolt.

Origin:

Origin: French catapulte

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin catapulta

Origin: , from Greek katapaltēs

Origin: : kata-, cata-

Origin: + pallein, to brandish, poise a weapon before hurling; see pāl- in Indo-European roots