资料来源 : 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.