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Catapult vs Sling - What's the difference?

catapult | sling | Synonyms |

Sling is a synonym of catapult.



As nouns the difference between catapult and sling

is that catapult is 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 while sling is an instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.

As verbs the difference between catapult and sling

is that catapult is to fire a missile from a catapult while sling is to throw with a circular or arcing motion.

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. }}

    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

    sling

    English

    Verb

  • To throw with a circular or arcing motion.
  • (Addison)
  • To throw with a sling.
  • * Bible, Judges xx. 16
  • Everyone could sling stones at an hairbreadth, and not miss.
  • (nautical) To pass a rope around (a cask, gun, etc.) preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
  • Derived terms

    * undersling

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (weapon) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1786, author=Francis Grose, title=A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page=43
  • , passage=The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients.}}
  • A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
  • A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby.
  • A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
  • A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
  • (nautical) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.
  • The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
  • * Milton
  • At one sling / Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1600, author=William Shakespeare, title=Hamlet'', Act III, Scene I, line 55
  • , passage=To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them.}}
  • (climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
  • A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
  • gin sling
    a Singapore sling