How to Say "to propel" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to propel” is “impulsar” — B2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

Examples
El gobierno quiere impulsar el empleo juvenil.
The government wants to boost youth employment.
Su ambición lo impulsó a estudiar dos carreras.
His ambition drove him to study two degrees.
El motor impulsa las hélices del avión.
The engine propels the airplane's propellers.
Using it with people
When saying that something 'drove' a person to do something, use the pattern: 'impulsar a (persona) a (verbo)'. Example: 'Me impulsó a viajar' (It drove me to travel).
Boosting Projects vs. People
Use this word when you want to describe giving 'momentum' or a 'push' to something that was stagnant or just starting.
Pushing a door
Mistake: “No puedo impulsar la puerta.”
Correction: No puedo empujar la puerta.
Related Translations
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