The origins of propagate are firmly rooted in the field of horticulture. The word is a 16th century Latin borrowing, ultimately from the verb propagare, which means "to set (onto a plant) a small shoot or twig cut for planting or grafting." To propagate is to be fruitful and multiply, by the usual routes of reproduction, or by spreading something around — like a rumor. Propagate comes from the Latin word propagare, which means "to reproduce plants, breed." PROPAGATE definition: 1.

Context Explanation

to produce a new plant using a parent plant: 2. (of a plant or animal) to produce young plants…. Learn more. Definition of propagate verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Insight Material

[transitive] propagate something (formal) to spread an idea, a belief or a piece of information among many people. Television advertising propagates a false image of the ideal family. Questions about grammar and vocabulary? We are discovering new ways to propagate plants without seeds. He propagated the apple tree by grafting.

Final Conclusion

To cause (an organism) to multiply or breed. 2. To breed (offspring). 3. To transmit (characteristics) from one generation to another. 4.

To cause to extend to a broader area or larger number; spread: missionaries who propagate the faith. 5. To make widely known; publicize: propagate a rumor. 6.