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Ballista vs. Catapult — What's the Difference?

Ballista vs. Catapult — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Ballista and Catapult

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Ballista

The ballista (Latin, from Greek βαλλίστρα ballistra and that from βάλλω ballō, "throw"), plural ballistae, sometimes called bolt thrower, was an ancient missile weapon that launched either bolts or stones at a distant target. Developed from earlier Greek weapons, it relied upon different mechanics, using two levers with torsion springs instead of a tension prod (the bow part of a modern crossbow).

Catapult

A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload.

Ballista

An ancient and medieval engine of warfare, usually having a design similar to a crossbow, used to hurl heavy projectiles.

Catapult

Any of various military machines used for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, in ancient and medieval times.

Ballista

An ancient military engine, in the form of a crossbow, used for hurling large missiles.
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Catapult

A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.

Ballista

An ancient military engine, in the form of a crossbow, used for hurling large missiles.

Catapult

A slingshot.

Ballista

Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles

Catapult

To hurl or launch from a catapult.

Catapult

To hurl or launch by means other than a catapult
The blast catapulted bricks across the street.

Catapult

To bring suddenly into prominence
The film catapulted her into fame.

Catapult

To be catapulted or hurled
The rider catapulted over the handlebars.

Catapult

To jump or spring
She catapulted over the gate.

Catapult

A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects.

Catapult

A mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.

Catapult

(UK) A slingshot.

Catapult

An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.

Catapult

(figuratively) An instance of firing something, as if from a catapult.

Catapult

(transitive) To fire a missile from a catapult.

Catapult

(transitive) To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.

Catapult

(transitive) To increase the status of something rapidly.
The candidate selection for running mate has catapulted her to the national scene.

Catapult

(intransitive) To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.

Catapult

(intransitive) To have one's status increased rapidly.
She catapulted to the national scene following her selection by the candidate.

Catapult

An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.

Catapult

A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.

Catapult

A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones

Catapult

A device that launches aircraft from a warship

Catapult

Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles

Catapult

Shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult;
The enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort

Catapult

Hurl as if with a sling

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