Catapult

/ˈkætəˌpʌlt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A device for launching an object at high speed, typically used in ancient warfare.

The soldiers used a catapult to launch heavy stones over the castle walls.

A strong, flexible structure used by performers to achieve height in acrobatic feats.

The acrobat was launched into the air by the catapult as part of the circus act.

verb

To launch or hurl with force.

The new technology could catapult us into a new era of transportation.

To move suddenly or swiftly in a specified direction.

The car catapulted down the road after the driver hit the gas.

From Latin 'catapultae', meaning 'to hurl', from 'cata-' meaning 'down from' and 'pultare' meaning 'to push or strike'.

catapult into:

To suddenly and dramatically increase in status or position.

catapult a career:

To advance one's career significantly and rapidly.

To suddenly launch into success or prominence.

After that viral video, she catapulted to internet fame.

To push someone or something into a new situation quickly.

His actions catapulted him into the spotlight overnight.