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

For Anract, neobakeries and creative bakers like Muhel, Castel and Kayser are what have always propelled France’s breadmaking culture forward. —Vivian Song, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

Younger voters and precincts near Charlotte’s center city helped propel the pivotal sales tax referendum on this year’s ballot to passage despite a swell of opposition in southeast Mecklenburg. —Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

To state the obvious, the fans who have propelled country’s popularity aren’t voters. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025

And this time, the spacecraft – towering more than 300 feet tall – will help propel a NASA mission to Mars known as ESCAPADE. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Nov. 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