thrust
B2Formal and technical; also common in martial and mechanical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To push something forcefully and suddenly.
The main point, idea, or theme of something; the propulsive force or principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, strongly implies a single, powerful, directed movement. As a noun, often signifies the essential or driving force of an argument, movement, or technology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slight preference for 'shove' or 'push' in informal AmE contexts.
Connotations
In both, has strong technical (engineering, aviation) and aggressive/martial connotations.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly higher in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] thrust [O] [A] (e.g., He thrust the letter into my hand.)[S] thrust [O] on/upon [O] (e.g., Responsibility was thrust upon her.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut and thrust (of debate)”
- “the thrust of the argument”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new CEO outlined the strategic thrust of the company for the next decade.
Academic
The central thrust of her thesis challenges traditional historiography.
Everyday
She thrust her hands into her pockets against the cold.
Technical
The jet engine generates 50,000 pounds of thrust.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The main thrust of the policy is economic reform.
- The rocket's thrust was insufficient for escape velocity.
American English
- The thrust of his speech was overwhelmingly positive.
- A sudden thrust from the crowd knocked him off balance.
verb
British English
- He thrust the manifesto into the hands of the protesters.
- The fencer thrust his épée with perfect timing.
American English
- She thrust the report onto his desk and walked out.
- The politician thrust himself into the spotlight.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The door was stuck, so I had to thrust my shoulder against it.
- He thrust the money into my bag before I could refuse.
- The main thrust of the article was that climate change requires immediate action.
- The company's new thrust into emerging markets surprised industry analysts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
THRUST = THRough with foUrcE + STab (suggests a forceful, penetrating motion).
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (the thrust of an attack); PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION (the thrust of new technology).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'толчок' for abstract 'main point' – use 'основная мысль' or 'суть'. For the verb, 'сунуть' is too casual; 'резко вставить' or 'протолкнуть' is better.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *He thrusted the knife. Correct: He thrust the knife. (Thrust is an irregular verb: thrust-thrust-thrust)
- Confusing 'thrust' (active, forceful) with 'hand' or 'give' (passive).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'the cut and thrust of political debate', what does 'thrust' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is irregular: the past simple and past participle are also 'thrust' (not 'thrusted').
Yes, commonly. For example, 'the thrust of an argument' refers to its main point or driving force.
'Thrust' implies a more sudden, forceful, and often single motion, sometimes with a pointed instrument. 'Push' is more general and can be sustained.
It is less common than 'push' or 'shove' in casual talk but frequent in specific contexts like news (policy thrust), engineering, and descriptions of dramatic physical actions.