Catapult Meaning and Definition
Catapult
Pronunciation
/ˈkætəplɒt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A machine used to propel objects, typically a stone, by twisted wire or a thrower; a device used to launch projectiles at a target.
Etymology
From Old French ‘catapaltr’, from Latin ‘catapulta’, from Greek ‘καταπάλττος’ (katapalttos), meaning ‘javelin-thrower’.
Usage Notes
Use ‘catapult’ to describe a device or machine used for launching or throwing objects, such as a projectile or a stone.
Additional Information
Catapults were historically used in warfare and for recreational purposes. Modern catapults are often used in competitive sports and challenges, where participants attempt to launch objects of varying weights and sizes.
Catapults have also been used in various fields, such as architecture, engineering, and entertainment, to create unique and impressive structures or effects.
Cultural References
The term ‘catapult’ has appeared in various works of literature, film, and television, often used to describe a device or machine used for launching or throwing objects.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
No idiomatic expressions or phrases can be found that directly contain the word ‘catapult’. However, phrases such as ‘to launch a catapult’ or ‘to reload a catapult’ can be used to describe the act of preparing or restarting a catapult for the next shot.
Related Words or Phrases
- Projectile
- Launch
- Thrower
- Javelin
- Slingshot
Collocations
- Catapult ball
- Deadly catapult
- Handheld catapult
- Powdered catapult
Frequency of Use
The word ‘catapult’ is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is mostly used in formal or technical contexts, such as in discussions about warfare, engineering, or competitive sports.
Common Misspellings
- catapult
- catapolt
- cataple
- catapull