First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1thrust
verb \ˈthrəst\
: to push (someone or something) with force
: to cause (something sharp) to enter or go through something else by pushing
: to make a sudden, strong, forward movement at someone or something with a weapon
thrustthrust·ing
Full Definition of THRUST
transitive verb
1
: to push or drive with force : shove
2
: to cause to enter or pierce something by or as if by pushing <thrust a dagger into his heart>
5
a : to put (as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position <was thrust into the job> b : to introduce often improperly into a position : interpolate
6
: to press, force, or impose the acceptance of upon someone <thrust new responsibilities upon her>
intransitive verb
1
2
: to make a thrust, stab, or lunge with or as if with a pointed weapon <thrust at them with a knife>
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Origin of THRUST
Middle English thrusten, thristen, from Old Norse thrȳsta; probably akin to Old Norse thrjōta to tire, Old English thrēat coercion — more at threat
Related to THRUST
2thrust
noun
: a forward or upward push
: the main point or meaning of something
: the main concern or purpose of something
Full Definition of THRUST
1
a : a push or lunge with a pointed weapon b (1) : a verbal attack (2) : a military assault
2
a : a strong continued pressure b : the sideways force or pressure of one part of a structure against another part (as of an arch against an abutment) c : the force produced by a propeller or by a jet or rocket engine that drives a vehicle (as an aircraft) forward d : a nearly horizontal geological fault
3
a : a forward or upward push b : a movement (as by a group of people) in a specified direction
4
a : salient or essential element or meaning <the thrust of the argument> b : principal concern or objective <the plan's major thrust is testing — Ryan Lizza>
See thrust defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of THRUST
14th century
THRUST Defined for Kids
1thrust
verb \ˈthrəst\
thrustthrust·ing
Definition of THRUST for Kids
1
: to push with force : shove <The small man thrust the lamp into Will's hand. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
3
: extend 1 <He thrust out his arm.>
4
: to press the acceptance of on someone <New responsibilities were thrust on her.>
2thrust
noun
Definition of THRUST for Kids
1
: a push or jab with a pointed weapon
2
: a military attack
3
: a forward or upward push
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