noun
Common
thrust
thruhst
Thrust (noun) means a sudden strong push or lunge forward. Example: “With one quick thrust, the fencer scored the winning point.”
noun
1
A sudden strong push or lunge forward.
"With one quick thrust, the fencer scored the winning point."
"He fended off the sword's thrust with his shield."
"The rocket's engines produce enormous thrust."
2
The main point or focus of an argument or plan.
"The main thrust of the report is that we need more teachers."
"What is the central thrust of your proposal for the new park?"
"The thrust of her argument was that costs needed cutting."
verb
1
To push something forward with force, often suddenly.
"She thrust the letter into his hands and walked away."
How to use thrust
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA forceful push, or (figuratively) the main point of something.
Common pairings
the thrust of the argument
jet thrust
thrust forward
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Word forms
- Plural
- thrusts
- Third person singular
- thrusts
- Past tense
- thrusted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
With one quick _____, the fencer scored the winning point.
Etymology
From Old Norse þrysta, meaning "to press" or "to force."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for thrust
See all rhymes for thrust →Frequently asked questions
What does “thrust” mean?
The word “thrust” means a sudden strong push or lunge forward. In plain terms, a forceful push, or (figuratively) the main point of something.
How do you pronounce “thrust”?
“Thrust” is pronounced thruhst (/θɹʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “thrust” in a sentence?
Here is “thrust” used in a sentence: “He fended off the sword's thrust with his shield.”
What part of speech is “thrust”?
Depending on how it is used, “thrust” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “thrust” come from?
The word “thrust” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse þrysta, meaning "to press" or "to force.".
Is “thrust” a common word?
“Thrust” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “thrust” have?
“Thrust” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden strong push or lunge forward.
What is the difference between thrust and force?
Thrust specifically refers to a sudden strong push or lunge forward, often in a single direction, while force is a broader physics term for any push or pull on an object. In everyday and technical use, thrust usually implies forward propulsion, such as the thrust generated by a jet engine or rocket.
What is the difference between the noun thrust and the verb thrust?
As a noun, thrust means a sudden strong push or lunge forward, or the main point of an argument. As a verb, thrust means to push something forward with force, often suddenly, such as thrusting a hand into a pocket.
What does it mean to describe the thrust of an argument?
When people talk about the thrust of an argument or plan, they mean its main point or central focus rather than every supporting detail. This figurative sense extends the physical idea of forward momentum to the direction of an idea.
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