Definition of: thrust

(thrust) v. thrust, thrust·ing v.t.
1. To push or shove with force or sudden impulse.
2. To pierce with a sudden forward motion; stab, as with a sword or dagger.
3. To interpose; put in.
—v.i.
4. To make a sudden push or thrust.
5. To force oneself on or ahead; push one's way; crowd: with through, into, on, etc. See synonyms under DRIVE, PUSH.
—noun
1. A sudden and forcible push, especially with a long, pointed weapon: distinguished from cut.
2. A vigorous attack; sharp onset.
3. Engin. A stress or strain tending to push a member of a structure outward or sidewise: the thrust of an arch.
4. The driving force exerted by certain propulsive devices, as a jet or rocket engine, an airplane's or ship's propeller, etc.
5. Salient force or meaning: the thrust of his remarks.
6. Geol. A rock fault due to horizontal compression; also, the plane of such a fault. [<ON thrsta]
—thrust′er noun