propagate
[prop-uh-geyt]
- 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.
Show More
- 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.
Show More
Origin of propagate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
multiplyproliferateinseminatetransmitpublicizecirculatedisseminateincreaseimpregnateraiseengendersirefertilizeoriginatefatherbeargrowprocreateproducemotherExamples from the Web for propagate
Contemporary Examples
Anti-abortion organizations tend to tend to propagate the idea that the procedure is dangerous and unproven.
Those who propagate it are considered paranoids or activists with an axe to grind.
Neocon supporters of Netanyahu like David Frum propagate this view as well.
He was stern but never oppressive – we knew abuse of power and would not propagate it in our personal lives.
Historical Examples
But they have come into existence, and they propagate their wretched race.
The Uncommercial TravellerCharles Dickens
The variety is difficult to propagate and, therefore, not in favor with nurserymen.
Manual of American Grape-GrowingU. P. Hedrick
Why then not propagate the system of these happy districts in Ireland?
The O'DonoghueCharles James Lever
What right have they to propagate the rottenness of their minds and bodies?
The Crooked HouseBrandon Fleming
In his selection he must have a certain model in his eye, such as he wishes to propagate.
Cattle and Cattle-breedersWilliam M'Combie
propagate
- 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
Show More
Word Origin
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
v.
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.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
propagate
(prŏp′ə-gāt′)- 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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.