'catapult' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'catapulta,' where 'kata-' meant 'down' and 'pallein' meant 'to hurl.'

'catapulta' transformed into the Old French word 'catapulte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'catapult' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a device for hurling stones,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a device for launching projectiles.'