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

• drive
• push
• shove
• 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

Though often criticized and not without frequent failures, the company’s resilience and experimentation have propelled major advancements in electric vehicles and renewable energy. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

The baseball traveled 375 feet and propelled the Tigers to a 3-1 victory. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025

His return propelled the Knicks’ defense into the NBA’s top-10. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025

So, how did this whole affair propel the Revolutionary War effort forward? Lawler: Dunmore’s proclamation had huge effects on what happened next. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 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