Definition of catapult

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cat·a·pult    (kt-plt, -plt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A military machine for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, used in ancient and medieval times.
2. A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.
3. A slingshot.

VERB:
cat·a·pult·ed, cat·a·pult·ing, cat·a·pults
VERB:
tr.

To hurl or launch from or as if from a catapult.

VERB:
intr.

To become catapulted; spring or bolt.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French catapulte, from Old French, from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapalts : kata-, cata- + pallein, to brandish, poise a weapon before hurling; see pl- in Indo-European roots