thrust

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/θrʌst/
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A strong forward push, the force that propels a vehicle, or the central direction of an argument or plan.
Practice using thrust in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The main thrust of the speech was economic reform.
  • The policy has a clear environmental thrust.
  • The fencer answered with a quick thrust.
  • The article's thrust is that prevention is cheaper than repair.
  • The branch thrust out over the path.

Similar words

drive
drive
insert
force
propulsion
engine force
focus
jet force
shove
stab

Meanings

Forceful push or lunge

noun
physical
neutral
A sudden, strong push forward, especially with the body, a hand, a weapon, or another object.

Examples

  • He gave the stuck door a hard thrust.
  • The fencer answered with a quick thrust.
  • A sudden thrust from the crowd pushed her forward.
  • The spear thrust glanced off the shield.
  • The rescuer used one final thrust to move the beam.

Similar words

push
shove
lunge
jab
drive
stab

Push suddenly forward

verb
physical
neutral
To push, move, or force someone or something suddenly and strongly in a particular direction.

Examples

  • She thrust the note into my hand.
  • He thrust his way through the crowd.
  • The actor thrust his chin forward defiantly.
  • They thrust the heavy box onto the truck.
  • The branch thrust out over the path.

Similar words

push
shove
force
drive
jam
insert

Propulsive force

noun
technical
technical
The forward force produced by an engine, propeller, rocket, or similar system.

Examples

  • The rocket engines produced enough thrust for liftoff.
  • Pilots reduce thrust during descent.
  • The aircraft lost thrust in one engine.
  • A larger propeller can increase thrust at low speed.
  • Engineers measured the thrust in newtons.

Similar words

propulsion
propulsive force
drive
engine force
jet force

Main point or direction

noun
everyday
formal
The central idea, purpose, or direction of an argument, speech, policy, article, or activity.

Examples

  • The main thrust of the speech was economic reform.
  • I understood the general thrust of her argument.
  • The campaign changed its thrust after the debate.
  • The article's thrust is that prevention is cheaper than repair.
  • The policy has a clear environmental thrust.

Similar words

main point
gist
focus
direction
purpose
argument

Etymology

From Middle English thrusten, probably from Old Norse thrysta, meaning to press, squeeze, or force. The physical idea of pressing forward later extended to propulsion and then to the figurative sense of the direction of an argument.

FAQ

What does thrust mean?

It can mean a strong forward push, the force that propels an engine or rocket, or the main point of an argument.

Is thrust a noun or a verb?

It is both. A thrust is a push or force, and to thrust is to push something suddenly and strongly.

What is the past tense of thrust?

The usual past tense and past participle are both thrust.

What does thrust mean in aviation?

In aviation, thrust is the force that moves an aircraft forward, produced by engines or propellers.

What does main thrust mean?

The main thrust is the central idea, purpose, or direction of a speech, article, policy, or argument.

Is thrusted a correct past tense?

Thrust is the standard past tense. Thrusted appears sometimes, but it is usually avoided in standard English.

What is the opposite of thrust?

For physical movement, pull or retreat can be opposites. In engineering, drag or resistance can oppose thrust.

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