catapult

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
  2. noun a device that launches aircraft from a warship
  3. noun an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles

Etymology

From Middle French catapulte, from Latin catapulta, from Ancient Greek καταπέλτης (katapéltēs), from κατά (katá, “downwards, into, against”) + πάλλω (pállō, “to poise or sway a missile before it is thrown”). Doublet of catapulta.

In classic literature

Synonyms

slingshot, sling

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading