propel

verb

pro·​pel prə-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio)
propelled; propelling

transitive verb

: to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion

Examples of propel in a Sentence

He grabbed him and propelled him through the door. The train is propelled by steam.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then, complete one action that propels you toward your goal. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025 Nova’s cash flow underwriting products are now its fastest growing line of business–a demonstration of the adaptability that has propelled a growing number of fintechs to build sustainable businesses. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 Aside from the commercial success, Packer credits his strong relationships throughout his life as a way to propel him forward, like his beloved fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, lifelong friends he’s made at his alma mater FAMU, and invaluable industry connections. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025 That 2022-23 season was split in two by the World Cup in the November and December, but Mbappe seemed to take the convoluted campaign in his stride, scoring eight goals to carry France to within a whisker of back-to-back glory in Qatar and then returning to propel PSG to yet another Ligue 1 title. Mark Carey, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English propellen "to drive away, expel," borrowed from Latin prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward," from prō- "before, in front" + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, expel" — more at pro- entry 2, pulse entry 1

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propel was in 1558

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propel. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

propel

verb
pro·​pel prə-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio)
propelled; propelling
: to push or drive usually forward or onward
a bicycle is propelled by pedals
propelled by the crowd

More from Merriam-Webster on propel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!