propel
Set in motion
To propel is to push or drive something forward.
Engines propel vehicles, wind propels sailboats, and ambition propels careers.
The word emphasizes continuous force rather than a single push: The rocket was propelled by liquid fuel.
Something that propels you to act provides the driving motivation: Curiosity propelled her into journalism.
Push with force
- thrustForceful forward motion
- forceStrength or compulsion
- driveOperate a vehicle
- heaveForceful lift or throw
ram · bulldoze · press · launch · catapult · hurl · fling · sling
Product of mass, velocity
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
- kineticsScience of motion forces
force · speed · trajectory · vector · dynamics · torque · thrust · forward
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- urgeStrong inner drive
spur · impetus · incentive · catalyst · stimulus · push · move · galvanize
Propulsion-driven spacecraft
- jetForced fluid stream
- turbineBlade-driven energy converter
- engineMachine producing motion
- afterburnerExhaust-stream fuel injector
nozzle · powerplant · ramjet · scramjet · turbofan · throttle · booster · thruster
Machine producing motion
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
- transmissionSending of information
- throttlePower flow controller
accelerator · horsepower · fuel · diesel · gasoline · paddle · oar · rudder
shove
Push with force
heave · ram · bulldoze · press · launch · catapult · hurl · fling · sling · project
momentum
Product of mass, velocity
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
kinetics · force · speed · trajectory · vector · dynamics · torque · thrust · forward · movement
drive
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
urge · spur · impetus · incentive · catalyst · stimulus · push · move · galvanize · energize
rocket
Propulsion-driven spacecraft
afterburner · nozzle · powerplant · ramjet · scramjet · turbofan · throttle · booster · thruster · combustion
engine
Machine producing motion
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
- transmissionSending of information
throttle · accelerator · horsepower · fuel · diesel · gasoline · paddle · oar · rudder · sail
- rocket-propelled grenadePortable anti-tank weapon
- nuclear propulsionMovement powered by reactors
- propeller planeAircraft powered by propellers
- jet propulsionMotion via expelled mass
- propeller capHat with rotor ornament
- propeller aircraftPlane powered by spinning blades
propeller, propulsion, propelled, propelling, propels, propulsive