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.”
verb
1
To push or drive something forward.
"When it had advanced from the wood, it hopped much after the fashion of a kangaroo, using its hind feet and tail to propel it, and when it stood erect, it sat upon its tail."
— , The Land That Time Forgot (1918)
"The engine propels the boat through the water at high speed."
"This tunnel assumed some measure of importance during the second world war, when it was used nightly as an air raid shelter for multiple unit electric trains which were propelled over the branch by a steam engine."
— R. C. Riley, By Rail to Kemp Town (1952)
2
To drive someone toward a particular outcome or change.
"Her debut album propelled her to overnight fame."
How to use propel
Learner’s notesIn 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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Word forms
- Third person singular
- propels
- Past tense
- propelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The engine _____ the boat through the water at high speed.
Etymology
From Latin propellō, from pro- ("forward") plus pellō ("to push").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
