verb
propel
pruh-PEHL
verb
1
To push or drive something forward.
"The engine propels the boat through the water at high speed."
2
To drive someone toward a particular outcome or change.
"Her debut album propelled her to overnight fame."
How to Use Propel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo push something forward, physically or in terms of progress and success.
Common pairings
propel forward
propel to fame
propel growth
Word Forms
propelled past tense, propels singular
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The engine _____ the boat through the water at high speed.
Etymology
From Latin propellō, from pro- ("forward") plus pellō ("to push").