To propel something is to push or drive it forward, often with force.
From Latin *propellere* 'to drive forward', from *pro-* 'forward' and *pellere* 'to drive, push'. It described the action of pushing something ahead.
When you’re 'propelled' by an idea or a goal, you’re being pushed from behind just like a rocket is pushed by its engines. The word carries a sense of steady pressure, not a gentle nudge.
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