Definition of thrust
thrust
;thrusting
transitive verb
1 : to push or drive with force : shove
2 : to cause to enter or pierce something by or as if by pushing thrust a dagger into his heart
5a : to put (someone, such as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position was thrust into the jobb : to introduce often improperly into a position : interpolate
6 : to press, force, or impose the acceptance of upon someone thrust new responsibilities upon her
intransitive verb
1a : to force an entrance or passageb : to push forward : press onwardc : to push upward : project
2 : to make a thrust, stab, or lunge with or as if with a pointed weapon thrust at them with a knife
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Examples of thrust in a Sentence
He thrust his hands into his pockets.
He thrust his fist into the air.
The doctor thrust the needle into the patient's arm.
He thrust at me with his sword.
Origin and Etymology of thrust
Middle English thrusten, thristen, from Old Norse thrȳsta; probably akin to Old Norse thrjōta to tire, Old English thrēat coercion — more at threat
First Known Use: 13th century
thrust
Definition of thrust
1a : a forward or upward pushb : a movement (as by a group of people) in a specified direction
2a : salient or essential element or meaning the thrust of the argumentb : principal concern or objective the plan's major thrust is testing — Ryan Lizza
3a : a strong continued pressureb : the sideways force or pressure of one part of a structure against another part (as of an arch against an abutment)c : the force produced by a propeller or by a jet or rocket engine that drives a vehicle (such as an aircraft) forwardd : a nearly horizontal geological fault
4a : a push or lunge with a pointed weaponb (1) : a verbal attack (2) : a military assault
Examples of thrust in a Sentence
With one last thrust he broke through the barrier.
a single thrust of his sword
14th Century
First Known Use of thrust
14th century
THRUST Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of thrust for English Language Learners
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: to push (someone or something) with force
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: to cause (something sharp) to enter or go through something else by pushing
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: to make a sudden, strong, forward movement at someone or something with a weapon
thrust
Definition of thrust for English Language Learners
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: a forward or upward push
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: the main point or meaning of something
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: the main concern or purpose of something
THRUST Defined for Kids
Definition of thrust for Students
thrust
;thrusting
Definition of thrust for Students
1 : a push or jab with a pointed weapon
2 : a military attack
3 : a forward or upward push
Learn More about thrust
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See words that rhyme with thrust Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thrust Spanish Central: Translation of thrust Nglish: Translation of thrust for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of thrust for Arabic speakers
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