[syn: motivate, actuate, propel, move, prompt, incite]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Propel \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.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
propel
v 1: cause to move forward with force; "Steam propels this ship"
[syn: propel, impel]
2: give an incentive for action; "This moved me to sacrifice my
career" [syn: motivate, actuate, propel, move,
prompt, incite]