Propel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /prə-ˈpel/ pro·pel

Meaning & Definition of Propel

Propel (verb)

  1. to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion

Propel (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one

    "playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off"

    similar: drive, push, shove, thrust
    related: impel, move, bear (down), compress, depress, jam, pressure, squash, squeeze, weigh (upon), bulldoze, compel, force, lean (on or against), muscle, ram

  2. to set or keep in motion

    "the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines"

    similar: actuate, drive, impel, move, work
    related: activate, motivate, provoke, abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set off, trigger, trip, arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame, inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate
    near: bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Propel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Propel:

drive, push, shove, thrust, actuate, impel, move, work

Related Words for Propel

bear (down), compress, depress, jam, pressure, squash, squeeze, weigh (upon), bulldoze, compel, force, lean (on or against), muscle, ram, activate, motivate, provoke, abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set off, trigger, trip, arouse, excite, fire (up)

Near Antonyms of Propel

bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

Word Forms of Propel

Inflections: propelled, propelling

Origin & Etymology of Propel

Middle English propellen "to drive away, expel," borrowed from Latin prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward," from prō- "before, in front" + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, expel" pro-:2, pulse:1

First known use: 1558

Frequently Asked Questions about Propel

What does "Propel" mean?

"Propel" means to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion. As a verb, it is defined as: to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Propel"?

Other words for "Propel" include drive, push, shove, thrust, actuate, impel, move and work. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Propel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Propel"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Propel". Common alternatives include drive, push, shove, thrust, actuate, impel, move and work.

How do you use "Propel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Propel" in a sentence: "playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off"; "the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines".

Is "Propel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Propel" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Propel"?

"Propel" is pronounced /prə-ˈpel/ and divided into syllables as pro·pel.

What is the origin of the word "Propel"?

"Propel" comes from Middle English propellen "to drive away, expel," borrowed from Latin prōpellere "to push or thrust forward, compel to go onward," from prō- "before, in front" + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, expel" pro-:2, pulse:1. First known use: 1558.

What is another word for "Propel" meaning "to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one"?

When "Propel" (verb) means to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one, synonyms include drive, push, shove and thrust.