n.
Pronunciation: ' thr ə st
Function: verb
Inflected Form: thrust ; thrust · ing
Etymology: Middle English thrusten, thristen, from Old Norse thry ̄ sta; probably akin to Old Norse thrj ō ta to tire, Old English thr ē at coercion ― more at THREAT
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 : to push or drive with force : SHOVE
2 : to cause to enter or pierce something by or as if by pushing < thrust a dagger into his heart>
3 : EXTEND , SPREAD
4 : STAB , PIERCE
5 a : to put (as an unwilling person) forcibly into a course of action or position <was thrust into the job> b : to introduce often improperly into a position : INTERPOLATE
6 : to press, force, or impose the acceptance of upon someone < thrust new responsibilities upon her>
intransitive verb
1 a : to force an entrance or passage b : to push forward : press onward c : to push upward : PROJECT
2 : to make a thrust, stab, or lunge with or as if with a pointed weapon < thrust at them with a knife>