catapults

Flings with power

Catapults are ancient siege weapons that hurl projectiles—stones, burning materials, or other missiles—using stored mechanical energy from tension, torsion, or counterweights.

The term extends to any launching device that flings objects with force: aircraft catapults on carriers, a slingshot-style catapult.

As a verb, to catapult is to launch or be launched suddenly and forcefully: The scandal catapulted her into the spotlight.

He catapulted over the handlebars.

siege

trebuchet

Counterweight-powered projectile launcher

siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
warfareArmed conflict between groups
medievalOf the Middle Ages

castle · fortification · projectile · assault · rampart · bombardment · mangonel · onager · stronghold · battering

mechanism

launch

Set into motion

trajectoryPath of moving object
tensionStretched or strained state
springRecoiling metal spiral

lever · arm · release · force · propulsion · elastic · slingshot · physics · kinetic · potential

aircraft

carrier

One that transports

deckShip's flat surface
launchSet into motion
steamHeated water's gaseous form

electromagnetic · takeoff · jet · fighter · naval · arresting · flight · ship · military · runway

figurative

propels

Causes to move forward

launchesSends off forcefully
thrustsForceful forward pushes
acceleratesIncreases in velocity

boosts · elevates · shoots · hurls · fame · stardom · success · spotlight · prominence · career

toy

slingshot

Forked projectile launcher

rubberElastic polymer from trees
bandGroup playing music together
Y-shapedForked at one end

pebble · target · backyard · mischief · childhood · homemade · wooden · David · Goliath · hunting

catapults

trebuchet

launch

carrier

propels

slingshot

catapults

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family