1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:

Propagate \Prop"a*gate\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Propagated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Propagating}.] [L. propagatus, p. p. of propagare to propagate, akin to propages, propago, a layer of a plant, slip, shoot. See {Pro-}, and cf. {Pact}, {Prop}, {Prune}, verb (used with an object)]

1. To cause to continue or multiply by generation, or successive production; -- applied to animals and plants; as, to propagate a breed of horses or sheep; to propagate a species of fruit tree.

2. To cause to spread to extend; to impel or continue forward in space; as, to propagate sound or light.

3. To spread from person to person; to extend the knowledge of; to originate and spread; to carry from place to place; to disseminate; as, to propagate a story or report; to propagate the Christian religion.

The infection was propagated insensibly. --De Foe.

4. To multiply; to increase. [Obs.]

Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou wilt propagate. --Shak.

5. To generate; to produce.

Motion propagated motion, and life threw off life. --De Quincey.

Syn: To multiply; continue; increase; spread; diffuse; disseminate; promote.