/thrust/ , v. , thrust, thrusting , n.
v.t.
1. to push forcibly; shove; put or drive with force: He thrust his way through the crowd. She thrust a dagger into his back.
2. to put boldly forth or impose acceptance of: to thrust oneself into a conversation between others; to thrust a dollar into the waiter's hand.
3. to extend; present: He thrust his fist in front of my face.
4. Archaic. to stab or pierce, as with a sword: She thrust his back with a dagger.
v.i.
5. to push against something.
6. to push or force one's way, as against obstacles or through a crowd.
7. to make a thrust, lunge, or stab at something.
n.
8. an act or instance of thrusting; a forcible push or shove; lunge or stab.
9. a lunge or stab, as with a sword.
10. Mech. a linear reactive force exerted by a propeller, propulsive gases, etc., to propel a ship, aircraft, etc.
11. Geol. a compressive strain in the crust of the earth that, in its most characteristic development, produces reverse or thrust faults.
12. the main point, purpose, or essence: The thrust of his speech was an urgent appeal for votes.
13. Mach. a pushing force or pressure exerted by a thing or a part against a contiguous one.
14. Archit. the downward and outward force exerted by an arch on each side.
15. an organized military attack; assault; offensive.
[ 1125-75; ME thrusten, thrysten (v.) thrysta to thrust, force, press ]