transitive verb propagated -·gat′ed, propagating -·gat′·ing

1. to cause (a plant or animal) to reproduce itself; raise or breed
2. to reproduce (itself); multiply: said of a plant or animal
3. to transmit (hereditary characteristics) by reproduction
4. to spread (ideas, customs, etc.) from one person or place to another
5. to transmit (esp. sound waves or electromagnetic radiation) through a medium

Etymology: < L propagatus, pp. of propagare, to peg down, set < propago, slip for transplanting < pro-, before + pag-, base of pangere, to fasten: see peace

intransitive verb