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

The final would prove to be a ground-breaking moment for the women's game, with the momentum propelled by a photographer capturing an image which transcended sport.

From BBC

Studying habituation in single cells could help propel understanding of how learning in general works, the researchers said.

From Science Daily

The Starship launch system is the biggest and most powerful ever built, with more thrust than the giant Saturn V that propelled the Apollo astronauts to the moon.

From Los Angeles Times

The promise of mass deportations was central to Trump’s campaign and helped propel him to victory on Nov. 5.

From Salon

They’ve watched their country open up to the world and their factories propel its economy, which nips at the heels of the United States as the world’s largest.

From BBC

Related Words

• drive
• push
• send
• shoot
• thrust