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

As a first step, NASA plans to use nuclear power to propel a spacecraft to Mars in December 2028. — Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (61) and Tilak Varma (51 not out) propelled India to its highest-ever total of 211-6 against its traditional rival in the T20 format. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

The album propelled Bad Bunny to the top of the Billboard 200 (for the fourth time), and to headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show, something only two other Latin acts — Jennifer Lopez and Shakira — have accomplished. — Leila Cobo, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Instead, there are sneakers, T-shirts, and leggings—and dancers who stalk, slouch, flirt, and spring across the stage, propelled by Robert Prince’s rollicking jazz score. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 2 Oct. 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