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

But last month’s victories propelled the party to a 221-178 edge. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024

The majority of that refined petroleum was not gasoline or jet fuel but what’s called bunker fuel, which is used to propel cargo ships. —Ken Roberts, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

The addition of Brown should propel the offense as the receiver makes his 2024 debut in the coming weeks. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

The young director took home the coveted Jury Prize that year, which propelled him into the stratosphere. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 13 Dec. 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