Dictionary entry

Propel

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pro‐pel″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Propelled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Propelling.] [L. propellere, propulsum; pro forward + pellere to drive. See Pulse a beating.] To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force; to move, or cause to move; as, the wind or steam propels ships; balls are propelled by gunpowder.