propel

[ pruh-pel ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·pelled, pro·pel·ling.

1. to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward:

   to propel a boat by rowing.

   Synonyms: prod, push

2. to impel or urge onward:

   Urgent need of money propelled him to take a job.

   Synonyms: prod, push

propel

/ prəˈpɛl /

verb

1. tr to impel, drive, or cause to move forwards

Other Words From

• unpro·pelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propel¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English propellen “to expel,” from Latin prōpellere “to drive forward,” from prō- pro- ¹ + pellere “to drive, push, strike”

Word History and Origins

Origin of propel¹

C15: from Latin prōpellere to drive onwards, from pro- ¹+ pellere to drive

Example Sentences

While opponents predicted that Trump’s vitriol would propel the Harris-Walz ticket to the White House, he learned well from the old Proposition 187 advocates he roped into his first campaign to speak about how unchecked migration had wreaked havoc on California.

From Los Angeles Times

The developers admit they were impressed by one trick that's been widely shared, of players combining a bed with a tornado to propel Zelda into the air.

From BBC

Interestingly, the recent quarterback change might help propel USC to a bowl game.

From Los Angeles Times

Santa Ana winds helped propel several fires across the region, but the Mountain fire exploded Wednesday, sweeping into foothill communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Santa Ana winds helped propel several fires across the region, but the Mountain fire exploded Wednesday, sweeping into foothill communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drive
• push
• send
• shoot
• thrust