Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Propagate \Prop"a*gate\, v. t. [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}, v. t.]
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.