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

5 a :to put (someone, such as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position

was thrust into the job

b :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

1 a :to force an entrance or passage

b :to push forward :press onward

c :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.

Recent Examples of thrust from the Web

But after an 0-4 start in 2016, he was finally thrust into action.

— ethan bauer, miamiherald, "FAMU dreams of a return to its former glory in 2017," 29 Aug. 2017
That BFF has garnered more attention in the past year, as The Skimm’s election coverage thrust them prominently into public discussion.

— tess koman, Cosmopolitan, "The Skimm Is Bigger Than Ever — and Its Founders Aren't Here For the Haters," 27 July 2017
The finale carried powerfully thrusting forward motion, building to a majestic blaze of D major at the end.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Malkki, CSO achieve a vibrant meeting of minds in Ravinia concerts," 22 July 2017
Having spent many years carefully cultivating the image of a bipartisan lawman, Rosenstein (who, unlike Sessions, had overwhelming Democratic support in his 94–6 confirmation vote) clearly resented the villain’s role Trump had thrust him into.

— andrew c. mccarthy, National Review, "Trump Has Himself, Not Sessions, to Blame for the Limitless Mueller Investigation," 22 July 2017
FC Cincinnati used its first-ever friendly match against South London's Crystal Palace FC from the big-money, high-powered English Premier League as a stage to thrust itself into the mainstream American soccer consciousness.

— patrick brennan, The Courier-Journal, "How FC Cincinnati booked a marquee friendly against Valencia CF," 21 July 2017
Stunned and terrified, Maria thrust her designer handbag, jewelry, and ATM card on the front seat, lying that her cheap gold hoop earrings were expensive and reciting her pin number.

— hannah seligson, Cosmopolitan, "Your Mobile Apps Are More Dangerous Than You Think," 15 July 2017
Jones was thrust into action last season after presumptive starter at quarterback, Thomas Sirk, tore his Achilles in the offseason.

— c jackson cowart, charlotteobserver, "Duke soph Daniel Jones of Charlotte gives coach a measure of comfort at quarterback," 14 July 2017
But the FIU study, as the Penn State studies before it, will likely thrust home sharing into the national spotlight again — bringing a new kind of Airbnb battle to South Florida.

— chabeli herrera, miamiherald, "The battle between Airbnb and hotels is getting dirty — and FIU is caught in the middle," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thrust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

thrust Synonyms

Synonyms

drive, propel, shove, push

Antonyms

decline, descend, dip, drop, fall (off), plunge

Related Words

impel, move; bear (down), compress, depress, jam, pressure, squash, squeeze, weigh (upon); bulldoze, compel, force, lean (on or against), muscle, ram

Near Antonyms

dive, nose-dive, plummet, sink, slide

thrust

noun

Definition of thrust

1 a :a forward or upward push

b :a movement (as by a group of people) in a specified direction

2 a :salient or essential element or meaning

the thrust of the argument

b :principal concern or objective

the plan's major thrust is testing
—Ryan Lizza

3 a :a strong continued pressure

b :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) forward

d :a nearly horizontal geological fault

4 a :a push or lunge with a pointed weapon

b (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

Recent Examples of thrust from the Web

After appearing in 10 games as a reserve last season, Wanogho is now being thrust into the spotlight as the starter at what is typically considered the most important position on the offensive line.

— tom green, AL.com, "Auburn's search for starting offensive line 'took a little longer' than expected," 29 Aug. 2017
The unspoken decision to make Idaho a disposal site was thrust upon the state in the 1950s and perpetuated for generations because of the stunning failure by administrations of both political parties to create a permanent disposal site.

— rocky barker, idahostatesman, "Andrus’ legacy: Idaho’s wild spaces, schools, nuclear cleanup," 25 Aug. 2017
The effect may not be obvious until a related issue is thrust into the spotlight like this month’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the resulting backlash against Confederate symbols.

— Washington Post, "Civil war lessons often depend on where the classroom is," 22 Aug. 2017
The effect may not be obvious until a related issue is thrust into the spotlight like this month’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the resulting backlash against Confederate symbols.

— Washington Post, "Civil war lessons often depend on where the classroom is," 22 Aug. 2017
The effect may not be obvious until a related issue is thrust into the spotlight like this month’s violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the resulting backlash against Confederate symbols.

— will weissert, The Seattle Times, "Civil war lessons often depend on where the classroom is," 21 Aug. 2017
Ms. Hendricks, a major Republican donor, was briefly thrust into the national spotlight a few years ago when she was recorded asking Mr. Walker to break up the labor unions.

— alexandra stevenson, New York Times, "In Weary Wisconsin Town, a Billionaire-Fueled Revival," 5 Aug. 2017
All of that came in the face of the challenge posed by the unexpected departure of now-former head coach John Harkes, whose exit thrust Koch into the head coach role less than 24 hours before the team decamped for February preseason training.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati extends Alan Koch's contract," 3 Aug. 2017
The Block 5 iteration of the Falcon 9 should produce more thrust in all engines and have reinforced landing legs.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "After Delays, SpaceX and Boeing Aim to Launch Astronauts Next Year," 24 July 2017

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.

thrust

noun

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

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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thrust

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Examples of thrust in a Sentence

Recent Examples of thrust from the Web

Origin and Etymology of thrust

thrust Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

thrust

Definition of thrust

Examples of thrust in a Sentence

Recent Examples of thrust from the Web

First Known Use of thrust

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

Phrases Related to THRUST

Related Phrases

THRUST Defined for English Language Learners

thrust

Definition of thrust for English Language Learners

thrust

Definition of thrust for English Language Learners

THRUST Defined for Kids

thrust

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thrust

Definition of thrust for Students

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