Definition of: propagate

(prop′ə·gāt) v. ·gat·ed, ·gat·ing v.t.
1. To cause (animals, plants, etc.) to multiply by natural reproduction; breed.
2. To reproduce (itself).
3. To spread abroad or from person to person; diffuse; disseminate.
4. To transmit through a medium; extend the action of: to propagate heat.
5. Obs. To increase.
—v.i.
6. To multiply by natural reproduction; have offspring; breed. [<L propagatus, pp. of propagare slip or layer a plant, multiply <propago a slip for transplanting <pro- forth + pag-, root of pangere fasten]
—prop′a·ga′tive adjective
—prop′a·ga′tor noun Synonyms: beget, breed, engender, generate, increase, multiply, originate, procreate. See PRODUCE, SPREAD. Antonyms: annihilate, destroy, eradicate, exterminate, extirpate.