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.

Slingshot

An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.

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.”