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

Now Amazon is putting it back in the spotlight: The reality show, which premiered in 2004, helped propel Donald Trump to new heights and set the stage for his political career. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025

Black Bag may be an espionage movie, but the screenplay by David Koepp isn’t propelled by spycraft. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025

In recent quarters, net margins have exceeded an impressive 50%, propelled by robust pricing power and high demand for AI chips. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images Scientists, advocates and experts who have spent decades compiling the research needed to propel the regulations don't agree with Zeldin's assessment. —Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 14 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