Definition of "thrust" in English

noun

1. (fencing) An attack made by moving the sword parallel to its length and landing with the point.

   • Pierre was a master swordsman, and could parry the thrusts of lesser men with barely a thought.

2. A push, stab, or lunge forward (the act thereof.)

   • The cutpurse tried to knock her satchel from her hands, but she avoided his thrust and yelled, "Thief!"

3. The force generated by propulsion, as in a jet engine.

   • Spacecraft are engineering marvels, designed to resist the thrust of liftoff, as well as the reverse pressure of the void.

4. (figuratively) The primary effort; the goal.

   • Ostensibly, the class was about public health in general, but the main thrust was really sex education.

verb

1. (intransitive) To make advance with force.

   • We thrust at the enemy with our forces.

2. (transitive) To force something upon someone.

   • I asked her not to thrust the responsibility on me.

3. (transitive) To push out or extend rapidly or powerfully.

   • He thrust his arm into the icy stream and grabbed a wriggling fish, astounding the observers.
   • Towers thrusting skyward.

4. (transitive) To push or drive with force; to shove.

   • to thrust anything with the hand or foot, or with an instrument

5. (intransitive) To enter by pushing; to squeeze in.

6. To stab; to pierce; usually with through.