What does thrust mean?
Thrust describes forceful action or forward-driving force. As a verb, it means to push, propel, insert, or force one's way with noticeable energy and determination. The movement implied is often sudden and difficult to resist: a person may thrust a door open, a vehicle may thrust forward, or a speaker may thrust an argument into a discussion. As a noun, a thrust can be a physical shove, a stabbing movement, or the propulsive force produced by an engine or rocket. The word also has important figurative uses. An unwelcome question can be thrust upon someone, while an event may thrust a person or organization into prominence or crisis. Across its physical and metaphorical meanings, thrust conveys force, direction, and urgency. It is therefore more forceful than a neutral word such as move and more concentrated than the general idea of pushing.
A forceful push, forward-driving movement, or propulsive force; also, an abrupt movement made by pushing or propelling something.
"The rocket's engines generated enough thrust to lift it into orbit."
The noun is used in both physical and technical contexts. Figurative uses often refer to pressure, intrusion, or the forceful introduction of an idea, event, or responsibility.
To push, drive, or propel something forcefully; to insert or place something abruptly, or to force one's way into a position.
"She thrust the letter into the drawer and slammed it shut."
The verb can sound abrupt, aggressive, or determined, depending on context. It is widely used in figurative expressions involving imposed attention, responsibility, or entry into a situation.
The plural thrusts is used for separate forceful movements, thrusts of a weapon, or multiple instances of propulsive force.
"The fighter plane executed several sharp thrusts toward the enemy."
The same word that describes a forceful shove also names the powerful forward force that sends a rocket into space.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thrust come from?
The English word descends from Old Norse þrjóta, meaning “to thrust” or “press,” and belongs to a Germanic family that includes Old High German driosan and modern German dreißen. The word entered English during the Middle English period, with the form thrust eventually serving as both the past tense and past participle. The noun thrust was developed from the same verb and came to denote a forceful push or propulsive movement.
Related word forms
How thrust is actually used
The verb is commonly used for forceful, abrupt movement and can suggest aggression or disregard for others, especially in phrases such as thrusting one's way forward. In technical contexts, thrust refers to the propulsive force generated by an engine, while figurative uses often describe pressure, intrusion, or the forceful introduction of something.
Easily confused with thrust
A thrust is a forceful push or forward movement, whereas trust is confidence in someone or something.