noun / verb
catapult
KAT-uh-pult/ˈkætəpʌlt/
To launch something forcefully through the air.
The spring mechanism catapults the small wooden ball into the air.
Etymology
The pieces describe hurling something against walls, or perhaps through armor. This military image underlies the name of a machine that launches objects through the air.
In context
the aircraft was on the catapult, as it's the last moment before the plane is launched
More examples
- The impact catapults loose objects across the cabin.
- Her first novel catapulted her to fame.
- The team tests a catapult designed to launch small aircraft.
Forms
catapult · catapults · catapulted · catapulting