1. 推进；推
To propel something in a particular direction means to cause it to move in that direction.

2. 推动；激励；驱策
If something propels you into a particular activity, it causes you to do it.

1. cause to move forward with force

e.g. Steam propels this ship

Synonym: impel

2. give an incentive for action

e.g. This moved me to sacrifice my career

Synonym: motivateactuatemovepromptincite