gallop, fodder, catapult, longevity, fortress: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 2 set 263. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. gallop · noun/ˈɡæləp/

   a fast gait of a horse where all four feet are lifted off the ground in sequence

   As the jockey urged the horse forward, it broke into a powerful gallop that thrilled the crowd.

   Synonyms: canter, run

   Origin: The word 'gallop' originates from Middle French 'galoper', which is derived from the Old French 'galoper' meaning to leap or spring.

2. fodder · noun/ˈfɔːdər/

   food for livestock or cattle

   The farmer stored plenty of fodder for the winter months to ensure his cattle had enough to eat.

   Synonyms: feed, provender, forage

   Origin: Middle English 'foder', from Old English 'fōdor', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'voeder' and German 'Futter'.

3. catapult · noun/ˈkætəˌpʌlt/

   a device for hurling objects through the air

   The ancient catapult was used by soldiers to breach the castle walls during the siege.

   Synonyms: slingshot, trebuchet, catapults

   Origin: from Latin 'catapultae', which comes from the Greek 'katapeltēs', meaning 'to hurl down'

4. longevity · noun/lɔŋˈdʒɛvɪti/

   the length of time that something lasts or continues

   The longevity of the old oak tree is a testament to its resilience and the health of the environment around it.

   Synonyms: duration, lifespan, endurance

   Origin: from Latin 'longaevitas', from 'longaevus' meaning 'long-lived', combining 'longus' (long) and 'aevum' (age, lifetime)

5. fortress · noun/ˈfɔr.təs/

   a fortified building or military stronghold

   The ancient fortress stood tall on the hill, providing a strategic overview of the surrounding valleys.

   Synonyms: stronghold, citadel, bastion

   Origin: from Middle English 'forteresse', derived from Old French 'forteresse', from Latin 'fortis' meaning 'strong'.