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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)