catapult Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
    slingshot; sling.
  2. noun a device that launches aircraft from a warship
    launcher.
  3. noun an engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
    mangonel; arbalest; trebuchet; trebucket; arbalist; bricole; onager; ballista.
  4. verb shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult
    • the enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort
  5. verb hurl as if with a sling
    sling.

WordNet

Cat"a*pult noun
Etymology
L. catapulta, Gr. , prob. from down + to shake, hurl.
Definitions
  1. (Mil. Antiq.) An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.
  2. A forked stick with elasti band for throwing small stones, etc.

Webster 1913