propagate

[ prop-uh-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, prop·a·gat·ed, prop·a·gat·ing.

1. to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock.
2. to reproduce (itself, its kind, etc.), as an organism does.
3. to transmit (hereditary features or elements) to, or through, offspring.
4. to spread (a report, doctrine, practice, etc.) from person to person; disseminate.
5. to cause to increase in number or amount.
6. to create (an effect) at a distance, as by electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc., traveling through space or a physical medium; transmit:

   to propagate sound.

7. to spread (a disease) from one individual to another:

   Dr. John Atlee believed believed that filthy living conditions probably propagated cholera.

8. Computers. to cause (an update or other alteration) to take effect throughout a network of devices:

   The active master database replicates updates to the standby master database, which propagates the updates to the subscribers.

verb (used without object)

, prop·a·gat·ed, prop·a·gat·ing.

1. to multiply by any process of natural reproduction, as organisms; breed.
2. to increase in extent, as a structural flaw:

   The crack will propagate only to this joint.

3. (of electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc.) to travel through space or a physical medium.
4. Computers. to take effect throughout a network of devices.

propagate

/ ˈprɒpəˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. biology to reproduce or cause to reproduce; breed
2. tr horticulture to produce (plants) by layering, grafting, cuttings, etc
3. tr to promulgate; disseminate
4. physics to move through, cause to move through, or transmit, esp in the form of a wave

   to propagate sound

5. tr to transmit (characteristics) from one generation to the next

Derived Forms

• ˌpropaˈgational, adjective
• ˌpropaˈgation, noun
• ˈpropagative, adjective

Other Words From

• prop·a·ga·tive prop·a·ga·to·ry [prop, -, uh, -g, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• prop·a·ga·tor noun
• non·prop·a·ga·tive adjective
• self-prop·a·gat·ing adjective
• un·prop·a·ga·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propagate¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin propāgātus (past participle of propāgāre “to reproduce (a plant) by cuttings, spread for sprouting, propagate, enlarge),” equivalent to propāg(ēs) “something set out, scion, slip” ( pro- pro- ¹ + pāg-, base of pangere “to fasten” + -ēs noun suffix) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of propagate¹

C16: from Latin propāgāre to increase (plants) by cuttings, from propāgēs a cutting, from pangere to fasten

Example Sentences

The nature of this interaction leads to infinite possibilities for light to exist and propagate, or travel, through its surrounding environment.

From Science Daily

"In Parkinson's disease, when they're constantly activated, microglia can propagate further damage to the surrounding tissue. That's what we see in Parkinson's brains, particularly in regions associated with cognitive decline."

From Science Daily

"If you have a screen and an electromagnetic wave passes by, the wave doesn't propagate straight through," Medvedev said.

From Science Daily

He moved to London, to "propagate" his culture and while there met a woman who became a "sister wife", eventually moving in with the couple at their home in Birmingham.

From BBC

What they’re propagating is far more dangerous than the decline of decorum in politics, or the presidential use of swear words formerly associated with truck drivers and sailors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circulate
• disseminate
• publicize
• transmit