verb (used with object), pro·pelled, pro·pel·ling. to drive, or cause to move, forward or onward: to propel a boat by rowing. to impel or urge onward: Urgent need of money propelled him to take a job.

What does the word mean propel?

transitive verb. : to drive forward or onward by or as if by means of a force that imparts motion.

Where does the word propel originate?

propel (v.)

mid-15c., propellen, "to drive away, expel," from Latin propellere "push forward, drive forward, drive forth; move, impel," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + pellere "to push, drive" (from PIE root *pel- (5) "to thrust, strike, drive").