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.
It is powered by a 20-Ah lithium battery and sports a pretty powerful 1,200-W motor that can propel the bike to 22 mph (35 km/h). New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025 Growth has been particularly strong since the pandemic, propelled by a blend of nostalgia, community and, for some, investment potential. Luke Fountain, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 Government investment into cultural initiatives, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is in the throes of its economic diversification plan, Vision 2030, is also propelling new talents onto the international scene. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 This, combined with Uchis’ refusal to compromise her bilingual identity — exemplified by 2020’s Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), her first album entirely in Spanish, and her decision to alternate between languages on subsequent albums — has propelled her journey. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 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 21 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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