catapult
C1The noun is common in historical/military/engineering contexts. The verb is used in both technical and figurative registers.
Definition
Meaning
A device with an arm that uses stored energy to hurl a projectile a significant distance.
To launch or propel something suddenly and with great force, either physically or metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a medieval siege engine (trebuchet, mangonel). In modern contexts, it can refer to a child's Y-shaped stick with an elastic band (UK) or a device for launching aircraft from ships. The verb often implies rapid, forceful propulsion into a new state or position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'catapult' commonly refers to a hand-held Y-shaped slingshot. In the US, this is typically called a 'slingshot'. The US uses 'catapult' primarily for the historical siege weapon or aircraft launcher.
Connotations
UK: Often childish or associated with mischief. US: More technical, military, or historical.
Frequency
The noun is more frequent in British English due to the handheld toy meaning. The verb is equally used in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] catapult + object + into/onto/to + place/position[verb] catapult + object + to + fame/success[verb] be catapulted + from + originVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catapult to the top”
- “catapulted into the limelight”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The innovative marketing campaign catapulted the startup into the mainstream market."
Academic
"The invention of the counterweight trebuchet represented a significant evolution in catapult technology."
Everyday
"The kids were using a catapult to fire pebbles across the garden." (UK) / "He built a model catapult for the school science fair." (US)
Technical
"The aircraft was launched via a steam-powered catapult on the carrier's deck."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The scandal catapulted the issue onto the front pages.
- He was catapulted from obscurity to becoming a household name.
American English
- The successful IPO catapulted the company's valuation.
- The pitcher catapulted the ball towards home plate.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The catapult projectile shattered the mock castle wall.
- They studied catapult mechanics in history class.
American English
- The carrier's catapult system underwent maintenance.
- He explained the catapult launch sequence.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The boy made a small catapult from a stick and a rubber band. (UK)
- In the museum, we saw a model of a medieval catapult.
- The viral video catapulted the talented singer to international fame.
- The new legislation could catapult the renewable energy sector into a position of market dominance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAT sitting on a PULse-Taking machine that suddenly fires it into the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUDDEN CHANGE IS FORCEFUL PROPULSION (e.g., 'catapulted to fame').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'катапульта' which is correct, but note the stronger association in Russian with the aircraft ejector seat. The English word is broader.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'catapult' as a synonym for any throw (it implies mechanical force/suddenness).
- Incorrect preposition: 'catapult in fame' instead of 'catapult to fame'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'catapult' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A trebuchet is a specific type of catapult that uses a counterweight. 'Catapult' is the broader category.
Yes, very commonly, especially in figurative contexts meaning to launch suddenly into a new state (e.g., catapult to fame).
In the UK, 'catapult' often means a handheld Y-shaped slingshot. In the US, that object is almost always called a 'slingshot', and 'catapult' refers to larger historical or mechanical launchers.
No, the correct preposition is 'to'. The standard pattern is 'catapulted to success/fame/stardom/prominence'.
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