propel

verb

pro·​pel prə-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio)
propelled; propelling

transitive verb

: to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Mediawan is cautious about expecting the same level of recognition in international markets, instead betting on the narrative and visual universality that initially propelled Tran’s comic series up Gaul’s publishing charts. Ben Croll, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025 Can this win against the Chiefs help propel Jacksonville into the playoffs? Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 The performances ultimately captured on the film’s soundtrack helped propel the Sony Pictures Animation title to the top of the all-time Netflix movie chart and turn it into a cultural juggernaut. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 While the team has yet to make it to the big show, Mayfield's leadership could propel the team far into the postseason. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propel

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of propel was in 1558

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propel. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

propel

verb
pro·​pel prə-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio)
propelled; propelling
: to push or drive usually forward or onward
a bicycle is propelled by pedals
propelled by the crowd

More from Merriam-Webster on propel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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