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Definition of propel

propel

/prəˈpɛl/
pro · pel
Adjective:propulsive
•
Past Simple:propelled
•
Past Participle:propelled
•
Present Participle:propelling
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propel Lexical Profile

propel Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To drive, push, or cause to move forward or onward, typically by means of a mechanical or physical force.

Example

"Powerful twin engines propel the ferry across the choppy strait in less than an hour."

2

To spur, motivate, or cause someone or something to reach a particular state, position, or course of action.

Example

"The breakthrough discovery helped propel the young researcher to international prominence."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for propel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for propel

• Rhymes for propel

• Nearby Words

propagation
propagator
propane
propel
propellant
propeller
propensity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Latin propellere ('to drive or push forward'), formed from the prefix pro- ('forward') and pellere ('to drive, strike, or push'), the same root found in 'compel', 'expel', and 'pulse'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Propel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/propel
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