propulsion

UK: /prəˈpʌlʃ(ə)n/ | US: /prəˈpʌlʃən/

Definition

  1. n. the action of driving or pushing forward

  2. n. the force produced by a propulsion system (e.g., in engines or rockets)

Structure
pro <forward>puls <push>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

propulsion = pro<forward> + puls<push> + ion<noun suffix>

  • pro (Latin pro-): "forward," "forth," or "in favor of."
  • puls (Latin pulsus, from pellere): "to push" or "drive."
  • ion (Latin -io): noun-forming suffix indicating action or result.

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin propulsio ("a driving forward"), combining pro- (forward) and pellere (to push). The word evolved through French propulsion before entering English in the 17th century, retaining its core meaning of "forceful forward movement." Initially used in physical contexts (e.g., ships), it later expanded to aerospace and mechanical systems.

Examples

  1. Jet engines rely on combustion for propulsion.

  2. The spacecraft's propulsion system malfunctioned mid-flight.

  3. Fish use tail fins for underwater propulsion.

  4. Engineers are testing new electric propulsion technologies.

  5. Newton’s third law explains the principle of rocket propulsion.