propel
verb (used with object)
to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward.
had propelled
-
past perfectof propel.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Meanwhile, the women’s liberation movement had propelled itself into the mainstream, ignited by writers like Betty Friedan.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
The 6-foot-5 colossus, whose seven goals had propelled the Norwegians to the quarterfinals and whose goofy demeanor had charmed neutral fans everywhere, delivered an uncharacteristically quiet game.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
Aged just 15 years she had propelled Russia to team gold at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, becoming the first female skater to land a quadruple jump in an Olympic competition.
From Barron's ● Jan. 30, 2026
I asked Heacock what he thought had propelled Lamphere’s miraculous sugar-pill-driven recovery.
From Slate ● Jan. 30, 2026
He and Eric had the grit and skill that had propelled them out of Idaho, but grit and skill weren’t working so well now.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
