A trebuchet is a type of medieval siege engine that was used to launch heavy projectiles, typically stones or large rocks, at enemy fortifications. Synonyms for the word "trebuchet" include catapult, ballista, mangonel, and onager. A catapult is a similar weapon that uses tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a ballista is a type of crossbow that fires arrows or bolts. A mangonel and an onager are both types of catapults that use a single arm to launch projectiles. While these weapons were historically used for warfare, they have also been adapted for use in modern-day competitions and demonstrations, where they are used to launch items such as pumpkins or other large objects.