Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause something to move forward or onward, typically with force or thrust: This is the core physical meaning, describing the action of driving or pushing an object in a specific direction.
   • To spur, motivate, or drive someone to do something: This figurative meaning describes providing the impetus or incentive for an action or course of thought.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Physical Motion):

  • The engine's thrust propels the airplane through the air.
  • A strong current propelled the boat toward the shore.
  • She used the oars to propel the canoe across the lake.

• Verb (Figurative Motivation):

  • His ambition propelled him to the top of his profession.
  • The new evidence propelled the investigation in a different direction.
  • A desire for change propelled her into politics.

Advanced Usage

• "To propel oneself": To move one's own body forward, often using force.
  • The swimmer propelled herself through the water with powerful strokes.
• "Propelling force": The specific power or energy that causes forward motion.
  • The propelling force for the rocket comes from its engines.

Variants and Related Words

• Propellant (noun): A substance used to provide thrust, as in a rocket or aerosol can.
  • The rocket's propellant ignited, creating immense thrust.
• Propeller (noun): A mechanical device with blades that rotates to propel a vehicle like a ship or aircraft.
  • The ship's propeller churned the water.
• Propulsion (noun): The action of driving or pushing something forward.
  • Jet engines provide the propulsion for modern aircraft.

Synonyms

• Drive: To push or force something to move in a particular direction.
• Thrust: To push something suddenly or violently.
• Launch: To send something forth with force.
• Motivate (figurative): To provide someone with a reason to act.
• Spur (figurative): To encourage or stimulate an action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Propel" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

• "To be propelled into the spotlight": To be suddenly and forcefully made the center of public attention.
  • The scandal propelled the young reporter into the spotlight.
• "A propelling factor": A key element that drives progress or action.
  • Technological innovation was a propelling factor in the company's growth.

Verb

1. give an incentive for action
   • This moved me to sacrifice my career
2. cause to move forward with force
   • Steam propels this ship