thrust

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verb \ˈthrəst\

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
3 : extend, spread
4 : stab, pierce
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

See thrust defined for English-language learners

See thrust defined for kids

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

thrust

noun

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

See thrust defined for English-language learners

Examples of thrust in a Sentence

With one last thrust he broke through the barrier.
a single thrust of his sword

First Known Use of thrust

14th century

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

THRUST Defined for English Language Learners

thrust

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verb

Definition of thrust for English Language Learners

: to push (someone or something) with force
: to cause (something sharp) to enter or go through something else by pushing
: to make a sudden, strong, forward movement at someone or something with a weapon

thrust

noun

Definition of thrust for English Language Learners

: a forward or upward push
: the main point or meaning of something
: the main concern or purpose of something

THRUST Defined for Kids

thrust

play

verb \ˈthrəst\

Definition of thrust for Students

thrust

;

thrusting

1 : to push with force : shove The small man thrust the lamp into Will's hand. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising
2 : pierce 1, stab
3 : extend 1 He thrust out his arm.
4 : to press the acceptance of on someone New responsibilities were thrust on her.