propel

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verb

Definition of PROPEL

1

to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one <playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off>

Synonyms drive, propel, shove, thrust

Related Words impel, move; bear (down), compress, depress, jam, pressure, squash, squeeze, weigh (upon); bulldoze, compel, force, lean (on or against), muscle, ram

2

to set or keep in motion <the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines>

Synonyms actuate, drive, impel, propel, work

Related Words activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Near Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain