catapult
Meaning
a large device used in ancient and medieval warfare to hurl large stones or other projectiles
a device for launching an aircraft from the deck of a ship
to throw or launch something with great force, as if from a catapult
to suddenly achieve a much higher or more important position
Structure
Usage
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.
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
cata: from greek κατά (kata), a prefix meaning 'down', 'against', 'thoroughly'. pult: from greek παλλειν (pallein), meaning 'to hurl' or 'to poise (a weapon)'.