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Catapult vs Hurl - What's the difference?

catapult | hurl |

Hurl is a synonym of catapult.



In transitive terms the difference between catapult and hurl

is that catapult is to increase the status of something rapidly while hurl is to utter (harsh or derogatory speech), especially at its target.

In intransitive terms the difference between catapult and hurl

is that catapult is to have one's status increased rapidly while hurl is to participate in the sport of hurling.

catapult

English

(wikipedia catapult)

Noun

  • A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects, such as a mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.
  • (UK) slingshot
  • An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.
  • (figuratively) An instance of firing something, as if from a catapult.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=13 March , author=Chris Bevan , title=Stoke 2 - 1 West Ham , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=The visitors were given notice of what was to come when Huth headed wide from a Rory Delap long throw but failed to heed the warning, allowing the German defender to rise unmarked to meet another Delap catapult and plant his header into the net after 12 minutes. }}

    Related terms

    * catapeltic

    Verb

  • To fire a missile from a catapult.
  • To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.
  • To increase the status of something rapidly.
    • The candidate selection for running mate has catapulted her to the national scene.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=November 12 , author= , title=International friendly: England 1-0 Spain , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=England will not be catapulted among the favourites for Euro 2012 as a result of this win, but no victory against Spain is earned easily and it is right they take great heart from their efforts as they now prepare to play Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday.}}
  • To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.
  • To have one's status increased rapidly.
    • She catapulted to the national scene following her selection by the candidate.

    See also

    * ballista * crossbow * onager * siege engine * trebuchet, trebucket

    hurl

    English

    Verb

  • To throw (something) with force.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=September 2 , author= , title=Wales 2-1 Montenegro , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=The Tottenham wing was causing havoc down the right and when he broke past the bemused Sasa Balic once again, Bellamy was millimetres from connecting with his cross as the Liverpool striker hurled himself at the ball.}}
  • * 1918 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), Chapter IV
    • I was standing on the edge of the conning-tower, when a heavy palm suddenly struck me between the shoulders and hurled me forward into space. The drop to the triangular deck forward of the conning-tower might easily have broken a leg for me, or I might have slipped off onto the deck and rolled overboard; but fate was upon my side, as I was only slightly bruised.
  • * 1912 , (Edgar Rice Burroughs), (Tarzan of the Apes), Chapter 5
    • Tarzan on his part never lost an opportunity to show that he fully reciprocated his foster father's sentiments, and whenever he could safely annoy him or make faces at him or hurl insults upon him from the safety of his mother's arms, or the slender branches of the higher trees, he did so.
  • To utter (harsh or derogatory speech), especially at its target.
    • The gangs hurled abuse at each other.
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=1984 , title=New International Version of the Bible , section=Mark 15:29-30 , passage=Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"}}
  • To participate in the sport of hurling.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=August 3 , author=Donnchadh Boyle , title=Egan targets Rebel success to rescue poor season , work=Irish Independent citation , page= , passage=Their cause was helped after the senior footballers were unexpectedly dumped out of the running for the Sam Maguire, meaning Aidan Walsh is available to hurl full-time with the young Rebels -- Walsh scored 1-1 in the semi-final victory over reigning All-Ireland champions Tipperary.}}
  • (slang) To vomit.
    • Pass me the bucket; I've got to hurl .
  • (obsolete) To twist or turn.
  • * Hooker
    • hurled or crooked feet

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A throw, especially a violent throw; a fling.
    • He managed a hurl of 50.3 metres.
    A hurl of abuse.
    (Congreve)
  • The act of vomiting.
  • (hurling) The act of hitting the sliotar with the hurley.
  • (Ulster) (car) ride
  • (obsolete) tumult; riot; hurly-burly
  • (obsolete) A table on which fibre is stirred and mixed by beating with a bow spring.