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

Darkness was all around me, but my determination and curiosity propelled me toward exploring the unknown. — Michaela Musilova, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Build trust beyond the hype Social media can propel a wellness device into the spotlight, but visibility alone is no guarantee of lasting sales. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

This idea, also fueled by the president’s unproven assertion that the 2020 election was stolen from him, has propelled numerous efforts to require proof of citizenship or identity at the polls or when registering to vote. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

The same forces that propelled me to write to him were also what drew me to Latin American literature. — Literary Hub, 26 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