What is the meaning of catapult?

noun

• A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones.
  • synonyms: slingshot, sling
• A device that launches aircraft from a warship.
  • synonyms: launcher
• An engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles.
  • synonyms: arbalest, arbalist, ballista, bricole, mangonel, onager, trebuchet, trebucket

verb

• Shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult.
  • usage: "the enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort"
• Hurl as if with a sling.
  • synonyms: sling