verb

propel

to propel, to drive, to push

The engine propels the boat forward.

The engine propels the boat forward.

His ambition propelled him to success.

His ambition propelled him to success.

((sth./sb.)) ((<adverb/prepositional phrase>)) to push or drive (sth./sb.) forward or in a particular direction. The engine propels the boat forward.

Synonyms: push, drive, launch; Antonyms: halt, stop

From Latin 'pro-' (forward) + 'pellere' (to drive). Literally 'to drive forward'.

Think of a 'propeller' on a plane or boat, which serves to 'propel' it forward.

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