propel
UK: prəˈpɛl | US: prəˈpɛl
vt. to drive or push something forward
vt. to motivate or spur someone to action
The word "propel" originates from Latin propellere, combining pro- (forward) and pellere (to push). The morpheme pel appears in other English words like "compel" (push together) and "repel" (push back). Over time, "propel" evolved to describe both physical propulsion (e.g., engines propelling vehicles) and metaphorical driving forces (e.g., ambition propelling success). The logic is straightforward: pro- directs the action forward, while -pel supplies the force.
The engine uses combustion to propel the rocket into space.
Her passion for justice propelled her to become a lawyer.
Wind can propel a sailboat across the water.
The new policy aims to propel economic growth.
He was propelled to fame after his groundbreaking discovery.