catapult

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.

An instance of firing something, as if 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.”

To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.

To have one's status increased rapidly.

“She catapulted to the national scene following her selection by the candidate.”