launcher

Device that propels

A launcher is a device or structure that propels something into motion—a rocket launcher sends missiles skyward, a grenade launcher fires explosives.

In computing, a launcher is an application that organizes and starts other programs: I keep my most-used apps in the launcher.

Game launchers manage downloads and updates for video game libraries.

weapon

catapult

Siege engine for launching

bazooka · rpg · mortar · grenade · missile · rocket · torpedo · harpoon · cannon · artillery

siege

trebuchet

Counterweight-powered projectile launcher

arm · sling · tension · torsion · mechanism · medieval · castle · fortification · projectile · boulder

software

app

Mobile device software

  • dockMooring structure at water's edge
  • taskbarApplication shortcut strip
  • shortcutQuicker alternative path

icon · menu · startup · executable · desktop · widget · springboard · homescreen · click · pinned

spacecraft

rocket

Propulsion-driven spacecraft

  • padCushioned writing surface
  • gantryOverhead spanning framework
  • countdownBackward enumeration to zero

liftoff · propellant · booster · payload · orbit · satellite · mission · NASA · ESA · SpaceX

Categories
Opposites
projectile role

launcherprojectile

Launched airborne object

ammunition · missile · payload · warhead · rocket

trajectory phase

launchercatcher

Masked diamond position

receiver · target · landing pad · interceptor · retriever

software function

launcherterminator

One who ends things

closer · uninstaller · killer · task manager

Phrases
Family

launch, launching, launched, launches, relaunch, launchers, launchpad, relaunched, relaunching

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G