Catapulted

/ˈkætəˌpʌltɪd/ past tense of catapult

Definition

Launched or hurled with great force using a catapult, or figuratively, to thrust someone suddenly into a new situation or level of success.

Etymology

From 'catapult,' ultimately from Greek 'katapeltis' (a siege engine). The past tense '-ed' ending is the standard English form for regular verbs.

Kelly Says

The word 'catapulted' beautifully illustrates how military technology creates metaphors—we now 'catapult' someone to fame or success, inheriting the imagery of siege warfare from 2,000 years ago when these machines actually launched stones at castle walls.

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