Devices that launch objects through the air using tension or springs, or the action of launching something forcefully and suddenly.
From Greek 'katapeltēs' combining 'kata' (down) and 'pallein' (to throw), referring to ancient siege weapons. The term evolved to describe any device that hurls things with force.
Medieval soldiers used catapults to launch everything from rocks to diseased cow corpses over castle walls—yes, really—making biological warfare one of history's oldest dirty tricks.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.