propel

propel — verb

1. to push or drive an object forward by applying physical force, often through a m

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to push or drive an object forward by applying physical force, often through a mechanism or natural force such as wind or water

Example

The strong wind propelled the small sailboat across the lake.

propel + object + across [location]

A jet engine uses burning fuel to propel the aircraft through the sky.

to + infinitive showing purpose

Common collocations
  • propel forward
  • propel across
  • propel through
  • propel toward
  • propel the boat/plane/car
  • propel oneself
Synonyms
  • push

    more general, less forceful — 'push' works for any slight movement

  • drive

    suggests continuous, powered motion usually by a machine

  • thrust

    implies a sudden, sharp forward push

Antonyms
  • stop

    to bring movement to an end

  • halt

    to cause something to stop moving forward

Grammar Patterns

propel + object + adverb/preposition

Usage Note

Subject is usually a mechanical device (engine, motor, fan) or a natural force (wind, water, current). The object is typically followed by a preposition or adverb that indicates the direction of movement — using 'propel' without a direction phrase sounds unnatural.

Common Mistakes

The fan propelled the papers.
The fan propelled the papers across the room.
'propel' almost always needs a direction word or phrase to sound complete.

2. to strongly influence or drive a person or organization to take action or reach

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to strongly influence or drive a person or organization to take action or reach a particular position or state

Example

The prize money propelled Ari to start his own business.

propel + object + to-infinitive

Ada's strong curiosity propelled her into a career in scientific research.

propel + object + into [situation]

Common collocations
  • propel into
  • propel toward
  • propel to
  • propel to fame/success/stardom
  • propel someone to do something
  • propelled by ambition/curiosity/fear
Synonyms
  • spur

    more immediate and emotional — suggests a sudden push to act

  • motivate

    focuses on inner desire or reason, less forceful than 'propel'

  • impel

    formal; suggests an internal moral or logical force

Antonyms
  • discourage

    to make someone less willing to act

  • deter

    to prevent someone from acting through fear or doubt

Grammar Patterns

propel + object + to-infinitive

propel + object + into/to/toward + noun phrase

Usage Note

The cause in this sense is usually an abstract force — ambition, curiosity, success, failure, or a sudden event — not a physical mechanism. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 takes a person or organization as its object, while sense 1 takes a physical object.

Common Mistakes

Her speech propelled me.
Her speech propelled me to volunteer at the shelter.
In the figurative sense, 'propel' needs a complement (to do something or into a situation) to sound complete.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe applying force to cause forward movement, but they differ in intensity and context. 'Push' is the most general — you can push a door open, a cart, or a person gently. 'Drive' suggests continuous, powered motion; you drive a car or a machine pushes a conveyor belt steadily. 'Thrust' implies a sudden, sharp, or forceful push, often in a specific direction — think of thrusting a sword forward or the thrust of a rocket engine. 'Propel' sits between 'push' and 'thrust' in force: it is stronger and more deliberate than 'push' but less sudden than 'thrust', and it almost always involves a direction or destination. For example, a fan propels air across a room (steady, directed force), whereas a sudden wind thrusts a door open (quick, sharp force).

push ↗drive ↗thrustpropel ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • propel someone into the spotlight
  • propel something forward

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinMiddle FrenchEnglish

The word 'propel' comes from the Latin verb 'propellere', which was formed by joining 'pro-' (meaning forward) with 'pellere' (meaning to push or drive). It entered English in the 1400s through Middle French. Related words include 'propeller' (the bladed device that pushes a boat or plane forward) and 'propulsion' (the force that drives movement).