propel

[pruh-pel]

verb (used with object)

propelled, propelling 

1. to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward.

   to propel a boat by rowing.

   Synonyms: prod, push

2. to impel or urge onward.

   Urgent need of money propelled him to take a job.

   Synonyms: prod, push

propel

/ prəˈpɛl /

verb

1. (tr) to impel, drive, or cause to move forwards

Other Word Forms

• unpropelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propel¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of propel¹

C15: from Latin prōpellere to drive onwards, from _pro- ¹ + pellere to drive

Example Sentences

The deal propelled AMD shares to their best month since 2001, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

Read more on Barron's

This generates a magnetic field strong enough to propel freight wagons fitted with magnets.

Read more on BBC

Weight-loss drugs are propelling a new gold rush for the pharmaceutical industry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The outlook for gold remains optimistic, as continued US dollar weakness, lower interest rate expectations, and the threat of stagflation could further propel investment demand,” WGC analyst Louise Street said.

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He was in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, overpowering the Dodgers on the sport’s grandest stage to propel the Blue Jays to within one win of their first championship in 32 years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• drive 
• push 
• send 
• shoot 
• thrust