verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of propel
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English propellen “to expel,” from Latin prōpellere “to drive forward,” from prō- pro- 1 + pellere “to drive, push, strike”
Explanation
To propel is to push or drive forward, like a sheep dog nipping at the heels of his flock to keep them moving. When you hear the verb propel, imagine the propeller on an airplane — that spinning thing on the front that pulls the plane forward. Or maybe think of the old proverb that goes, “Our passions are the winds that propel our vessel. Our reason is the pilot that steers her. Without winds the vessel would not move and without a pilot she would be lost.”
Vocabulary lists containing propel
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15
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"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
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Maniac Magee
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Robotics have been a staple of the company’s operations for over a decade; its Propel system, for instance, has been used in facilities since 2013.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
Appeared in the February 7, 2026, print edition as 'Japan’s Youth Set to Propel Prime Minister in Election'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026
She was usually buoyant and effusive, but this time she really hammed it up, hugging and kissing the case of Propel Fitness Water he’d brought home from the store.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2024
The company has invested in fintechs Propel, Cointracker and edtech Masterclass, among others.
From Reuters • Mar. 1, 2022
MERRY-ANDREW So, these fine forces, in conjunction, Propel the high poetic function, As in a love-adventure they might play!
From Faust by Taylor, Bayard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
