catapult
UK ['kæt.ə.pʌlt] US ['kætˌ-] noun countable
■a device which can throw objects at a high speed 投射器；石弩；弹射器•In the past, armies used catapults to hurl heavy stones at enemy fortifications.古代军队使用石弩将重石投向敌人的防御工事。 •On that type of aircraft carrier, a catapult was used to help launch aircraft.那种航空母舰利用弹射器弹射飞机升空。 ■UK (US slingshot) (Australian also shanghai)
■a Y-shaped stick or piece of metal with a piece of elastic (= material that stretches) fixed to the top parts, used especially by children for shooting small stones （儿童玩的）弹弓
UK ['kæt.ə.pʌlt] US ['kætˌ-] verb transitive usually + adverb or preposition
■to throw someone or something with great force 把…射出，把…弹出•When the two vehicles collided, he was catapulted forwards.两车相撞时，他被甩向了前方。 be catapulted into sth
■to suddenly experience a particular state, such as fame 突然经历；一跃而成•The award for best actress meant that almost overnight she was catapulted into the limelight.获得最佳女演员奖意味着她几乎一夜之间成了公众关注的焦点。 |