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.
The anti-interventionist, anti-elite principles that first propelled her to Congress also remain core to her identity. Sam Gringlas, NPR, 22 Nov. 2025 If storied Italian brand MV Agusta wanted to focus public attention firmly on hopes for the future, announcing that a five-pot engine would propel a fresh range of bikes would be a neat way to do it. New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025 The major stock indexes also dropped, underscoring the importance of the technology for Wall Street and the overall economy, which have both come to rely on massive AI spending to propel growth. ABC News, 22 Nov. 2025 You are propelled alongside them as Agnes, sensing William’s creative and professional frustrations, packs him off to London to follow his dreams, hastening the pair’s descent into marital discontent and parental grief. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 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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