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

Saturday’s victory propelled Illinois to its first Final Four since 2005. —Gary Bedore march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026

His play, along with teammates Kai Valentine, Cooper Ellwood and Davis May, propelled Rock Canyon to Coliseum upsets in the Final Four and championship game. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026

According to the prosecutor's office, the blaze propelled some of the canisters into the air and caused a massive explosion. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

Twenty-one years ago, Lawson helped propel the Sacramento Monarchs to the WNBA championship. —Joe Davidson march 27, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026

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