Basic Details
Word: Catapult
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A device that uses a strong force to throw or launch something, often used in ancient warfare.
Synonyms: Launcher, slingshot, trebuchet
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- To catapult someone to fame: To suddenly make someone very famous. Example: "The actor's role in the blockbuster movie catapulted him to fame overnight."
- Catapult into action: To quickly start doing something. Example: "When the emergency alarm went off, the staff catapulted into action to ensure everyone's safety."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The ancient soldiers used a catapult to hurl stones over the castle walls during battles.
Example 2: At the science fair, we built a small catapult that could launch marshmallows across the room.
Example 3: The team's clever strategy seemed to catapult them to victory in the final minutes of the game.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the earliest known use of the catapult dates back to around 400 BC in ancient Greece? This ingenious device revolutionised warfare, allowing armies to attack from a distance.
Famous Quote
"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." Margaret Thatcher - much like using a catapult to try again until you succeed!
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "catapult" mean?
a) A type of fruit
b) A device that throws or launches objects
c) A piece of furniture
d) A kind of animal
Answer: b) A device that throws or launches objects
2. Which of these is a synonym of "catapult"?
a) Launcher
b) Fork
c) Pillar
d) Chair
Answer: a) Launcher
3. Which sentence uses "catapult" correctly?
a) The catapult chased the mouse.
b) The catapult launched a small rock over the castle wall.
c) The catapult cooked dinner for us.
d) The catapult read a book.
Answer: b) The catapult launched a small rock over the castle wall.
4. Which idiom means to quickly start doing something?
a) To catapult someone to fame
b) To catapult into action
c) To jump over the moon
d) To swim with the fishes
Answer: b) To catapult into action
5. What is the opposite of "catapult"?
a) N/A
b) To bury
c) To dig
d) To pull down
Answer: a) N/A
