English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

propel

pruh-PEHL

Propel (verb) means to push or drive something forward. Example: “The engine propels the boat through the water at high speed.”

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verb

1

To push or drive something forward.

"The engine propels the boat through the water at high speed."

2

To drive someone toward a particular outcome or change.

"Her debut album propelled her to overnight fame."

How to use propel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo push something forward, physically or in terms of progress and success.

Common pairings

propel forward propel to fame propel growth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

propelled past tense, propels singular

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Fill the gap

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The engine _____ the boat through the water at high speed.

Etymology

From Latin propellō, from pro- ("forward") plus pellō ("to push").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

drive push

Antonyms

stay halt stop rest

Related words

put set stop stay rest energy street press

Frequently asked questions

What does “propel” mean?

The word “propel” means to push or drive something forward. In plain terms, to push something forward, physically or in terms of progress and success.

How do you pronounce “propel”?

“Propel” is pronounced pruh-PEHL (/pɹəˈpɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “propel” in a sentence?

Here is “propel” used in a sentence: “The engine propels the boat through the water at high speed.”

What is another word for “propel”?

Words with a similar meaning to “propel” include drive and push.

What is the opposite of “propel”?

The opposite of “propel” — its antonyms — are stay, halt, stop and rest.

What part of speech is “propel”?

“Propel” is a verb.

Where does the word “propel” come from?

The word “propel” comes from Latin. From Latin propellō, from pro- ("forward") plus pellō ("to push").

How many meanings does “propel” have?

“Propel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to push or drive something forward.

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put set stop stay rest energy street press

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial