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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Propel: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：to drive forward (propel)

propel 🔊

/prəˈpel/

vt.

To push or drive an object forward, making it move in a certain direction.

Propel definition illustrated by a rocket launch, showing force driving an object forward.

to drive forward 🔊

➕

/tuː draɪv ˈfɔːwəd/

vt.

To cause an object to move or be pushed forward, typically through the application of physical force or energy.

📁 Category：Space Exploration 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

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

💡 Mnemonic

PROpel your PROject forward.

📖 Example

The powerful engines of the spacecraft are designed to propel it beyond Earth's atmosphere and into deep space. 🔊 The spacecraft's powerful engines are designed to drive it forward beyond Earth's atmosphere and into deep space.

🔗 Collocations

propel forward – to push or drive something in a forward direction

propel into orbit – to launch and push a spacecraft into a stable path around a celestial body

propel through water – to move something forward by pushing against water

🔄 Synonyms

push (vt.) – To apply force to an object to move it away from oneself.

thrust (vt.) – To push suddenly or violently.

launch (vt.) – To set or propel in motion, especially a rocket or missile.

🚫 Antonyms

halt (vt.) – To bring or come to an abrupt stop.

stop (vt.) – To cause to cease moving or operating.

restrain (vt.) – To prevent from moving or acting freely.

🌱 Derivatives

propeller (n.) – A mechanical device with blades that rotates to propel a ship or aircraft.

propellant (n.) – A substance used to provide thrust, especially in rockets.

propulsion (n.) – The action of driving or pushing forward.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'propellere'. 'Pro-' means 'forward', and 'pellere' means 'to drive'. It entered English in the 15th century, retaining the core idea of driving something forward, whether physically or metaphorically.

Meaning 2：to spur on (propel)

propel 🔊

/prəˈpel/

vt.

To cause someone or something to move forward quickly in development or make rapid progress.

Propel meaning of spurring on, shown by a team motivated by a rising success graph.

to spur on 🔊

➕

/tuː spɜːr ɒn/

vt.

To cause someone or something to advance, develop, or make rapid progress in a non-physical sense, such as in a career, project, or idea.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her passion for environmental protection propelled her to start a successful company that recycles plastic waste. 🔊 Her passion for environmental protection spurred her on to start a successful company that recycles plastic waste.

🔗 Collocations

propel to success – to be the driving force that leads someone or something to achieve success

propel into the spotlight – to cause someone to suddenly receive a lot of public attention

propel growth – to be the main factor causing rapid economic or business expansion

🔄 Synonyms

motivate (vt.) – To provide someone with a reason for doing something.

drive (vt.) – To provide the force or incentive that causes something to happen or progress.

impel (vt.) – To drive, force, or urge someone to do something.

🚫 Antonyms

hinder (vt.) – To create difficulties that delay or obstruct progress.

impede (vt.) – To delay or prevent by obstructing.