propelling

Everyday

1. Pushing or driving something forward. tree →
2. (adjective, UK) A «propelling pencil» is a mechanical pencil in which the lead is pushed out by twisting or clicking. tree →
3. Making someone do something or go somewhere: «Fear was propelling him on.» tree →

In the lessons

In science: an engine, oars, wings or a jet of water can propel a boat, a plane or a squid; Newton's third law – push backwards, go forwards. In The Wind in the Willows the Rat propels the boat with oars, and Toad's car is propelled by its engine. In maths class you might use a propelling pencil for neat graphs.

Examples

• The oars were propelling the boat across the river. tree →
• A squid moves by propelling water out of its body. tree →
• The rocket is propelled by burning fuel. tree →
• Can I borrow your propelling pencil? tree →
• The crowd was propelling us towards the gate. tree →
• A propeller turns, propelling the ship forward. tree →

Note

Double l before -ing and -ed: propelled, propelling. Related: propeller, propulsion.