catapult

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a device or ancient engine that launches a projectile with force

   The operator released the catapult only to demonstrate how it worked.

2. 2
   verb

   to throw or propel suddenly and forcefully

   The impact could catapult loose objects across the room.

From Middle French catapulte, Latin catapulta, and Ancient Greek katapeltes, a missile engine; the Greek formation combines kata- ("against, down") with a verb meaning "brandish or hurl."

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