1 propel | Definition of propel

propel

verb
pro·​pel | \ prÉ™-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio) \
propelled; propelling

Definition of propel

transitive verb

: to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion

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Synonyms for propel

Synonyms

drive, push, shove, thrust

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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

Organizations of all stripes are increasingly realizing that the education system that propelled their success in the past is failing to produce the entrepreneurial and collaborative problem-solving talent necessary to thrive in the future. Fortune, "How Learning Can Catch Up With Technological Change," 27 Aug. 2019 That pressure is being felt most acutely in the suburban districts that propelled Democrats’ success in the 2018 elections and boosted the party to win control of the House of Representatives. NBC News, "Suburban House Democrats find hunger for action on gun control back home," 25 Aug. 2019 Tunsil is Miami’s best offensive player, in the beginning stages of his prime, and would be a piece that could propel a team’s playoff run this season. Safid Deen, sun-sentinel.com, "Sell high, buy low? Laremy Tunsil, and other Miami Dolphins trade rumors ahead of the 2019 regular season," 24 Aug. 2019 The engine that propelled this along day after day, month after month, was the national media, who, among other things, trotted out some very high level former intelligence officials who told us on many occasions that Trump had committed treason. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: Contrary to Soucheray’s claim, Ramsey County budget is in plain language, with performance measurements," 22 Aug. 2019 An even apter comparison might be the Infinity Gauntlet, the jeweled glove that propelled the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Peter Rubin, WIRED, "Disney+ Brandishes Its Weapon: An Infinity Gauntlet of Brands," 20 Aug. 2019 The sprawling district also includes several distinct power centers that could propel a potential candidacy. Michael Levenson, BostonGlobe.com, "Potential candidates are already jostling for Joe Kennedy’s congressional seat," 20 Aug. 2019 The rental option harks back to a leasing product popularized by SolarCity that had propelled its growth, although the company borrowed heavily to support the strategy. Chris Dolmetschbloomberg, Los Angeles Times, "Tesla solar panels caused fires at 7 Walmart stores, retailer alleges," 20 Aug. 2019 Having the engine in the back put weight over the wheels that propelled the car, helping with traction when on slippery roads and while accelerating. Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, "$17 million or $70 million? 1930s Porsche fails to sell after auction snafu," 18 Aug. 2019

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

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First Known Use of propel

1558, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for propel

Middle English propellen, from Latin propellere, from pro- before + pellere to drive — more at felt

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More Definitions for propel

propel

verb

English Language Learners Definition of propel

: to push or drive (someone or something) forward or in a particular direction

propel

verb
pro·​pel | \ prÉ™-ˈpel How to pronounce propel (audio) \
propelled; propelling

Kids Definition of propel

: to push or cause to move usually forward or onward

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More from Merriam-Webster on propel

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with propel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for propel

Spanish Central: Translation of propel

Nglish: Translation of propel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of propel for Arabic Speakers