propels; propelled; propelling
: to push or drive (someone or something) forward or in a particular direction
He grabbed him and propelled him through the door.
The train is propelled by steam.
—often used figurativelyShe was propelled [=motivated] by greed when she stole the money.
The album propelled the band to fame.
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/propel. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
