Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Moved forward by its own force or momentum: Describes something that moves or progresses without external power or force, driven by its own internal energy or impetus.
   • Containing within itself the means of propulsion or movement: Describes a vehicle or machine that carries its own source of power (like an engine or motor) to move itself, without needing to be pulled or pushed by another vehicle.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The new artillery piece is a self-propelled gun, allowing it to move quickly to new firing positions.
  • The company's growth became self-propelled after the initial investment, fueled by its own profits.
  • Unlike a trailer, a self-propelled lawnmower requires no pushing.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Used to describe a process, system, or even a person's ambition that gains its own momentum and continues under its own power.
  • Once the rumor started, it became a self-propelled story, spreading without any further encouragement.
  • His career was self-propelled by his relentless drive and networking.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-propelling (adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning.
• Self-propulsion (noun): The capability of moving by one's own power.
  • The submarine's self-propulsion allows it to operate independently for months.

Synonyms

• Automotive (when referring to vehicles).
• Self-moving.
• Autonomous (especially for machines that operate independently).

Antonyms

• Towed.
• Pulled.
• Manual (requiring human power to move).

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Self-propelled vehicle: Any land or water vehicle that carries its own engine or motor for propulsion (e.g., cars, tanks, motorboats).
• Self-propelled artillery: Large guns or howitzers mounted on a motorized chassis, capable of moving under their own power.

Adjective

1. moved forward by its own force or momentum
   • a self-propelled egotist
   • the arms program is now self-propelled
2. containing within itself the means of propulsion or movement
   • a self-propelled vehicle