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

Someone has to propel the Cardinals out of last year’s cellar. —Johnny Flores Jr., New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The 59-foot (18-meter), three-stage rocket dropped its core booster about 2.5 minutes into flight, with the second stage firing to propel the vehicle up to orbital speeds, followed by Electron's kick stage fine-tuning the mission's orbit. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Murray made three 3-pointers to propel a 16-0 run early in the second half. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2025

He’s crafted an ever-growing discography and unmissable live show, which has propelled him to the forefront of the dance music space. —Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for propel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

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