propel

play

verb pro·pel \prə-ˈpel\

Definition of propel

propelled

;

propelling

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

See propel defined for English-language learners

See propel defined for kids

Examples of propel in a Sentence

He grabbed him and propelled him through the door.
The train is propelled by steam.

Recent Examples of propel from the Web

The 6-2 Harris has an amazing vertical jump and showed his promise with a 30-point game in a semistate win over Evansville Bosse that helped propel Attucks to a state title.

— kyle neddenriep, The Courier-Journal, "Insider: 2018 Indiana high school basketball player rankings", 2 July 2017
That alone would propel any town to nerd stardom, but Carbondale is exceptional.

— nicholas st. fleur, New York Times, "A College Town Gets Ready for Its Moment Under No Sun", 30 June 2017
My stroke sets the pace, his power propels us, and throughout he ups my game.

— marcia desanctis, Town & Country, "Rowing Is a Full-Body Workout You Can Do at Any Age", 23 June 2017
In a pair of regular-season games against St. Viator, Wiegman went 5-for-9 with a home run, triple, double and eight RBIs to propel Carmel to a sweep.

— brett christie, chicagotribune.com, "Pioneer Press 2017 All-Area Baseball First Team", 22 June 2017
The unanimous decision comes as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement of immigration laws nationwide, putting into practice the hardline stance that propelled President Trump to the Oval Office.

— matt ford, The Atlantic, "The Supreme Court Defends the Integrity of U.S. Citizenship", 22 June 2017
First Team Jim Baker, Brother Rice, senior, outside hitter: The explosive hitter propelled Brother Rice to a fourth-place finish at state with 201 kills, 197 digs and 40 aces.

— logan malloy, Daily Southtown, "Announcing the Daily Southtown 2017 Boys Volleyball All-Area Team", 22 June 2017
President Donald Trump returns to Iowa for the first time since the election, and many of the independent voters who propelled him to victory are not happy.

— thomas beaumont, The Seattle Times, "Trump returns to Iowa and unhappy independent voters", 21 June 2017
Right-hander Kyle Lloyd struck out 10 in his return to the Texas League and the Missions used a five-run eighth to propel themselves to a 7-3 win over Corpus Christi on Monday night.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Missions closing in on first-half title", 13 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'propel'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of propel

Middle English propellen, from Latin propellere, from pro- before + pellere to drive — more at felt

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First Known Use: 1558

See Words from the same year

PROPEL Defined for English Language Learners

propel

play

verb

Definition of propel for English Language Learners

: to push or drive (someone or something) forward or in a particular direction

PROPEL Defined for Kids

propel

play

verb pro·pel \prə-ˈpel\

Definition of propel for Students

propelled

;

propelling

: to push or cause to move usually forward or onward

Word Root of propel

The Latin word pellere, meaning “to cause to move” or “to drive,” gives us the root pel. Words from the Latin pellere have something to do with driving or causing something to move. To propel is to drive forward. To compel is to drive someone to do something. To expel is to drive out. To repel is to drive back or away.