SuaviloquyToday’s word

propel

Propel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Propelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Propelling.]

Etymology: [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.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for propel; he lists it under drive, send.

He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.