Dictionary
thrust
Pronunciation: (thrust), [key]
—v., thrust, thrust•ing,
—n.
—
v.t.
1. to push forcibly; shove; put or drive with force:
He thrust his way through the crowd. She thrust a dagger into his back.
2. to put boldly forth or impose acceptance of:
to thrust oneself into a conversation between others; to thrust a dollar into the waiter's hand.
3. to extend; present:
He thrust his fist in front of my face.
4. Archaic.to stab or pierce, as with a sword:
She thrust his back with a dagger.
—
v.i.
1. to push against something.
2. to push or force one's way, as against obstacles or through a crowd.
3. to make a thrust, lunge, or stab at something.
—
n.
1. an act or instance of thrusting; a forcible push or shove; lunge or stab.
2. a lunge or stab, as with a sword.
3. Mech.a linear reactive force exerted by a propeller, propulsive gases, etc., to propel a ship, aircraft, etc.
4. Geol.a compressive strain in the crust of the earth that, in its most characteristic development, produces reverse or thrust faults.
5. the main point, purpose, or essence:
The thrust of his speech was an urgent appeal for votes.
6. Mach.a pushing force or pressure exerted by a thing or a part against a contiguous one.
7. Archit.the downward and outward force exerted by an arch on each side.
8. an organized military attack; assault; offensive.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
