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

Alvin Kamara has at least 20 touches in every game this season, which have propelled him to clear 100 yards from scrimmage in all four games. —Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Almost all spearheaded a big project that propelled their career and heightened their internal and external visibility. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2024

The retreat follows a heady period both for the industry and the billionaires, whose gains in wealth propelled them into the same league as tech and finance moguls like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Europe, 28 Oct. 2024

With less than two weeks until Election Day in the U.S., Republicans are all in on transphobia, clearly hoping a final propaganda blitz painting transgender people as dangerous freaks will help propel Donald Trump back to the White House through the strength of fear and hate. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 24 Oct. 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