propel
propel — verb
1. to push or drive an object forward by applying physical force, often through a m
to push or drive an object forward by applying physical force, often through a mechanism or natural force such as wind or water
The strong wind propelled the small sailboat across the lake.
propel + object + across [location]
A jet engine uses burning fuel to propel the aircraft through the sky.
to + infinitive showing purpose
The rowers used their oars to propel the wooden boat toward the shore.
Tara kicked her legs hard to propel herself forward in the swimming pool.
文法句型
propel + object + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Subject is usually a mechanical device (engine, motor, fan) or a natural force (wind, water, current). The object is typically followed by a preposition or adverb that indicates the direction of movement — using 'propel' without a direction phrase sounds unnatural.
常見錯誤
2. to strongly influence or drive a person or organization to take action or reach
to strongly influence or drive a person or organization to take action or reach a particular position or state
The prize money propelled Ari to start his own business.
propel + object + to-infinitive
Ada's strong curiosity propelled her into a career in scientific research.
propel + object + into [situation]
A series of bad decisions propelled the company toward bankruptcy.
Stefan's excellent performance in the final exam propelled him to the top of the class.
- discourage
to make someone less willing to act
- deter
to prevent someone from acting through fear or doubt
文法句型
propel + object + to-infinitive
propel + object + into/to/toward + noun phrase
用法筆記
The cause in this sense is usually an abstract force — ambition, curiosity, success, failure, or a sudden event — not a physical mechanism. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 takes a person or organization as its object, while sense 1 takes a physical object.