Definition of the word catapult

The word "catapult" originates from the Latin word "catapulta," which was derived from the Greek word "katapeltē," meaning "to throw down" or "to throw back." In ancient Greece, a catapulta was a device used to hurl stones or other projectiles at enemy forts or ships. The Latin term was later adopted into Middle English as "catapult," and has since been used to describe various devices or machines used to launch or propel objects, such as ancient siege engines, rockets, and even modern-day catapults used in sports and entertainment. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and applications, but its roots remain firmly rooted in ancient Greek and Latin.