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