WordWeb Online

1. Cause to move forward with force
   "Steam propels this ship";
   - impel
    
2. Give an incentive for action
   "This propelled me to sacrifice my career";
   - motivate, actuate, move, prompt, incite

Derived forms: propelling, propelled, propels

Type of: cause, displace, do, engender, make, move

Encyclopedia: Propel