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

The backstory Since its opening in 2011, the Roundhouse has witnessed—and in many ways propelled—Beacon’s ascendency as a destination for food, art, and shopping. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

Our narrow wooden canoe moves slowly across the river, propelled by a small outboard motor. — Sebastián López Brach, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026

Further solidifying the need for an outside investor is when a company clearly needs additional guidance and organized systems to help propel it to the next stage. — Patrick Galleher, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

That’s what matters most to Texas fans — a precious result to sock away, the Manning comeback to hopefully propel him, redemption for the coach whose team was getting booed at home — and that’s what should matter. — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 14 Sep. 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