propel

verb

pro·​pel prə-ˈpel 

propelled; propelling

transitive verb

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

Synonyms

• drive
• push
• shove
• thrust

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

Drive is the inner force that propels entrepreneurs forward with passion, even when the odds seem insurmountable. —Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

This alliance with Christian nationalists is one that Trump has cultivated for years, using the movement’s natural authoritarianism to propel his own bids for presidential power. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 12 Sep. 2024

The collapse of the Twin Towers propelled plumes of glass, concrete, metals, asbestos, and silica into Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, the CDC says. —Lindsey Leake, Fortune Well, 11 Sep. 2024

Talent alone hasn’t propelled Pogačar to cycling’s summit. —George Ramsay, CNN, 11 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

propel

verb

pro·​pel prə-ˈpel 

propelled; propelling

: to push or drive usually forward or onward

a bicycle is propelled by pedals

propelled by the crowd