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Thrust

/θrʌst/

nounverbB2

Definition

Thrust as a verb means to push something quickly and with strong force, often in a straight direction. As a noun, it means the strong push or force itself, like the power that moves something forward. People use "thrust" to describe physical pushing or strong forward movement in many situations.

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See It in Action

To push something suddenly and strongly forward (verb)

  • •He thrust the sword into the enemy’s shield.
  • •She thrust her hand into her pocket to find her keys.
  • •The submarine thrust forward under the water.

The force or power of pushing forward (noun)

  • •The rocket’s thrust lifted it off the ground.
  • •The car’s engine produces a strong thrust.
  • •The thrust of the argument was about fairness.

Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "thrust" like "push" (A1 word), but much stronger and faster—like a quick, strong push instead of a gentle one.
  • ✓Picture a sword being pushed quickly forward in a fight, or a rocket pushing forward into space.
  • ✓It's the feeling of sudden power when you push hard to open a heavy door or jump forward.
  • ✓Sounds like "trust" → imagine trusting your strength to push something fast and hard.
  • ✓In stories, heroes might thrust their swords to fight enemies or push through danger quickly.
  • ✓NOT like "push" (can be slow or gentle), "thrust" is sudden and forceful.
  • ✓NOT like "pull" (which means to bring something toward you), thrust means to push away or forward.
  • ✓NOT like "shove" (which can be rude or aggressive), thrust can be strong but controlled.
  • ✓Thrust often describes a straight, direct movement, not random or weak pressure.

Try Other Words

  • •Push: to move something forward or away with force (Use when the action is less sudden or less strong)
  • •Shove: to push roughly or forcefully (Use when the action is rude or aggressive)
  • •Jab: to push quickly with a small, pointed object or finger (Use when the push is quick and precise)
  • •Drive: to force something forward or into a place (Use when pushing with power over time or into something)

Unboxing

  • •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word "thrust"
  • •Etymology: From Old English "thrustan," meaning to push or force
  • •Historical development: Used since early English to describe strong pushing or forcing actions
  • •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe physical pushing, mechanical forces (like engines), and figurative ideas (like main points of an argument)
  • •Key insight: Always involves strong, sudden forward movement or force

Reflect & Connect

•Can "thrust" be used in non-physical ways? How does that change its meaning?
•When might it be better to use "push" instead of "thrust" in everyday conversation?

Fill in the blanks

1.He thrust the knife ___ the box quickly to open it.
2.The rocket’s powerful thrust ___ it high into the sky.
3.Unlike a slow push, a thrust is usually ___ and forceful.
4.When someone thrusts an idea, they try to ___ it strongly on others.
5.The soldier thrust ___ his spear to defend himself.
6.The engine’s thrust helps the airplane ___ forward fast.
7.You can tell a thrust is different from a shove because a shove is often ___ or rude.