propulsion

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The force that pushes or drives something forward, especially a vehicle or machine.

   Grammar: Uncountable: talk about 'the propulsion' or 'a method of propulsion', but not 'a propulsion'.

   Patterns

   • propulsion for something
   • a means of propulsion
   • propulsion system

   The rocket's propulsion comes from burning fuel at high speed.

   Engineers are testing a new propulsion system for the spacecraft.

   Without some form of propulsion, the boat would simply drift.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   The act or process of driving something forward.

   Grammar: Uncountable; often used in technical or formal writing.

   Patterns

   • the propulsion of something

   The propulsion of the sled was achieved by a small motor.

   He studied the propulsion of fluids through narrow pipes.

Common combinations

jet propulsion

Jet propulsion allows planes to fly at very high altitudes.

rocket propulsion

Rocket propulsion is essential for reaching outer space.

means of propulsion

The canoe uses a paddle as its only means of propulsion.

propulsion system

The submarine's propulsion system runs on nuclear power.

electric propulsion

Electric propulsion is quieter and cleaner than diesel engines.

Synonyms and how they differ

thrust

Thrust is the forward force itself, while propulsion often refers to the whole system or process that creates movement.

drive

Drive is more general and can mean any power source; propulsion is more technical and usually about vehicles.

Word family

propel verb

To push or drive something forward.

propellant noun

A substance that burns to produce thrust, as in a rocket.

propeller noun

A device with blades that spins to push a boat or plane forward.

Practice

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Write a sentence using “propulsion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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