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

Transfers Miles and Marta Suarez propelled TCU to a repeat Big 12 regular-season championship and will be the key to making a second straight trip to the Sweet 16 and beyond. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026

Nicolas Fernández scored twice in the first half and Talles Magno scored late in the second to propel New York City FC to a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night. —CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Social media is basically unscripted and its rise has backstopped the once humble entertainment genre and is helping propel it. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026

Isaac Johnson scored 19 points and Harry Rouhliadeff added a double-double to propel Hawaii to a 78-63 victory over Cal State Fullerton on Friday night in a Big West Conference Tournament semifinal. —ABC News, 14 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