propagate

[prop-uh-geyt]

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verb (used with object), prop·a·gat·ed, prop·a·gat·ing.

to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock.

to reproduce (itself, its kind, etc.), as an organism does.

to transmit (hereditary features or elements) to, or through, offspring.

to spread (a report, doctrine, practice, etc.) from person to person; disseminate.

to cause to increase in number or amount.

to create (an effect) at a distance, as by electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc., traveling through space or a physical medium; transmit: to propagate sound.

verb (used without object), prop·a·gat·ed, prop·a·gat·ing.

to multiply by any process of natural reproduction, as organisms; breed.

to increase in extent, as a structural flaw: The crack will propagate only to this joint.

(of electromagnetic waves, compression waves, etc.) to travel through space or a physical medium.

Origin of propagate

1560–70; < Latin propāgātus (past participle of propāgāre to reproduce (a plant) by cuttings, spread for sprouting, propagate, enlarge), equivalent to propāg(ēs) something set out, scion, slip (pro- pro-¹ + pāg-, base of pangere to fasten + -ēs noun suffix) + -ātus -ate¹

Related formsprop·a·ga·tive, prop·a·ga·to·ry

[prop-uh-guh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ˈprɒp ə gəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectiveprop·a·ga·tor, nounnon·prop·a·ga·tive, adjectiveself-prop·a·gat·ed, adjectiveself-prop·a·gat·ing, adjectiveun·prop·a·gat·ed, adjectiveun·prop·a·ga·tive, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for propagate

multiply, proliferate, inseminate, transmit, publicize, circulate, disseminate, increase, impregnate, raise, engender, sire, fertilize, originate, father, bear, grow, procreate, produce, mother

Examples from the Web for propagate

Contemporary Examples of propagate

Anti-abortion organizations tend to tend to propagate the idea that the procedure is dangerous and unproven.
Abortion Complications Are Rare, No Matter What the Right Says
Samantha Allen
December 8, 2014
Those who propagate it are considered paranoids or activists with an axe to grind.
Did Putin Blow Up the Whole Polish Government in 2010? A Second Look.
Will Cathcart
April 11, 2014
Neocon supporters of Netanyahu like David Frum propagate this view as well.
How Obama's Change Message Can Go Global
Eric Alterman
May 18, 2009
He was stern but never oppressive – we knew abuse of power and would not propagate it in our personal lives.
How I Fell in Love in Prison
John Forté
March 13, 2009

Historical Examples of propagate

But they have come into existence, and they propagate their wretched race.
The Uncommercial Traveller
Charles Dickens
The variety is difficult to propagate and, therefore, not in favor with nurserymen.
Manual of American Grape-Growing
U. P. Hedrick
Why then not propagate the system of these happy districts in Ireland?
The O'Donoghue
Charles James Lever
What right have they to propagate the rottenness of their minds and bodies?
The Crooked House
Brandon Fleming
In his selection he must have a certain model in his eye, such as he wishes to propagate.
Cattle and Cattle-breeders
William M'Combie

British Dictionary definitions for propagate

propagate

verb

biology to reproduce or cause to reproduce; breed

(tr) horticulture to produce (plants) by layering, grafting, cuttings, etc

(tr) to promulgate; disseminate

physics to move through, cause to move through, or transmit, esp in the form of a waveto propagate sound

(tr) to transmit (characteristics) from one generation to the next

Derived Formspropagation, nounpropagational, adjectivepropagative, adjective

Word Origin for propagate

C16: from Latin propāgāre to increase (plants) by cuttings, from propāgēs a cutting, from pangere to fasten

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for propagate

1560s, "to cause to multiply," from Latin propagatus, past participle of propagare "to set forward, extend, procreate" (see propagation). Intransitive sense "reproduce one's kind" is from c.1600. Related: Propagated; propagating.

propagate in Medicine

propagate

[prŏp′ə-gāt′]

v.

To cause an organism to multiply or breed.

To breed offspring.

To transmit characteristics from one generation to another.

To cause to move in some direction or through a medium, such as a wave or nerve impulse.