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 of propel

• push
• shove
• drive
• 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

Carroll took a 21-0 lead into the first half, propelled by two timely defensive stops via turnover on downs in their own territory. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

The spacecraft will take over the work of its predecessor twin satellite, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which SpaceX propelled to orbit in 2020. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025

The next evolution of America’s safety net must be a trampoline – one that propels people upward without overdependence on Washington. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

The central bank’s rate cuts in September and October boosted stocks, and a pause on rate cuts could pose troubles for stocks that have rallied on expectations for lower borrowing costs — in particular, the AI and tech stocks that have propelled the market higher. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for propel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

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