catapultar

to catapult

verb kah-tah-pool-TAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin catapulta, itself from Greek katapeltēs.

Also means

to launch, to propel

Usage Note

Catapultar is used both literally (launching a projectile) and figuratively to describe a sudden leap to fame or success, as in fue catapultado a la fama ('he was catapulted to fame'). The figurative use is far more common in modern Spanish journalism. It is a regular -ar verb with no stem changes.

Examples

"El gol lo catapultó a la fama."

Natural Translation

The goal catapulted him to fame.

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