noun · verb · 23 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/θɹʌst/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Northern-England:/θɹʊst/
rhymes with -ʌst
CMU ARPABET:TH R AH1 S T
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
An attack made by moving the sword parallel to its length and landing with the point.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: fencing, government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war
Examples
Pierre was a master swordsman, and could parry the thrusts of lesser men with barely a thought.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A push, stab, or lunge forward.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
The cutpurse tried to knock her satchel from her hands, but she avoided his thrust and yelled, "Thief!"
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: break, dart, grab
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
The force generated by propulsion, as in a jet engine.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Examples
Spacecraft are engineering marvels, designed to resist the thrust of liftoff, as well as the reverse pressure of the void.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: lift, push
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
The primary effort; the goal.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, figuratively, uncountable
Examples
Ostensibly, the class was about public health in general, but the main thrust was really sex education.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: focus, gist, point
Antonyms: none provided
5
verb
Meaning 5
To make advance with force.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Examples
We thrust at the enemy with our forces.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: attack, charge, rush
Antonyms: none provided
6
verb
Meaning 6
To force something upon someone.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
I asked her not to thrust the responsibility on me.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: compel, charge, force
Antonyms: none provided
7
verb
Meaning 7
To push out or extend rapidly or powerfully.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
He thrust his arm into the icy stream and grabbed a wriggling fish, astounding the observers.
Towers thrusting skyward.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: dart, reach, stab
Antonyms: none provided
8
verb
Meaning 8
To push or drive with force; to shove.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
to thrust anything with the hand or foot, or with an instrument
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: press, thring, thrutch
Antonyms: none provided
9
verb
Meaning 9
To enter by pushing; to squeeze in.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: break in, force in
Antonyms: none provided
10
verb
Meaning 10
To stab; to pierce; usually with through.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.