v. & n.
--v. (past and past part. thrust)
1. tr. push with a sudden impulse or with force (thrust the letter into my pocket).
2 tr. (foll. by on) impose (a thing) forcibly; enforce acceptance of (a thing) (had it thrust on me).
3 intr. (foll. by at, through) pierce or stab; make a sudden lunge.
4 tr. make (one's way) forcibly.
5 intr. (foll. by through, past, etc.) force oneself (thrust past me abruptly).
--n.
1. a sudden or forcible push or lunge.
2 the propulsive force developed by a jet or rocket engine.
3 a strong attempt to penetrate an enemy's line or territory.
4 a remark aimed at a person.
5 the stress between the parts of an arch etc.
6 (often foll. by of) the chief theme or gist of remarks etc.
7 an attack with the point of a weapon.
8 (in full thrust fault) Geol. a low-angle reverse fault, with older strata displaced horizontally over newer.
Phrases and idioms:
thrust-block a casting or frame carrying or containing the bearings on which the collars of a propeller shaft press. thrust oneself (or one's nose) in obtrude, interfere. thrust stage a stage extending into the audience.
Etymology: ME thruste etc. f. ON thr|sta