catapult
UK[ˈkætəpʌlt]US[ˈkætəpʌlt]
n
a large device used in ancient and medieval warfare to hurl large stones or other projectiles
n
a device for launching an aircraft from the deck of a ship
v
to throw or launch something with great force, as if from a catapult
v
to suddenly achieve a much higher or more important position
Morpheme Breakdown
cata
pult
cata
down, against
pult
to hurl, to drive
Etymology
the word 'catapult' has a direct and vivid greek lineage. it originates from the greek 'katapaltēs', a compound of 'kata-' meaning 'down' or 'against' and the stem from 'pallein', meaning 'to hurl or throw'. the literal sense is 'a hurler-down', perfectly describing its function of hurling projectiles down upon or against fortifications. this ancient military technology was adopted by the romans, with the latin 'catapulta' passing into old french as 'catapulte', before entering middle english. the modern verb sense, meaning to launch or propel suddenly, is a direct metaphorical extension of the machine's primary action.
Analysis
Structure: cata (down, against) + pult (to hurl, to drive)
cata: from greek κατά (kata), a prefix meaning 'down', 'against', 'thoroughly'.
pult: from greek παλλειν (pallein), meaning 'to hurl' or 'to poise (a weapon)'.
Examples
the ancient romans used a massive catapult to breach the city walls.
the fighter jet was launched from the aircraft carrier using a steam-powered catapult.
the viral video catapulted the unknown singer to international fame.