Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Propagate
verb
/ PROP-uh-gayt /
Medium
Meaning
To spread or promote a belief, idea, or practice widely; also to reproduce or cause to reproduce (plants, organisms)
Origin / Etymology
Latin propagare — to extend by layering (propago = a layer of a plant)
Synonyms
Disseminate
Spread
Promulgate
Broadcast
Antonyms
Suppress
Contain
Restrict
Example Sentence
"The Supreme Court in Rev. Stainislaus v. State of MP (1977) held that the right to 'propagate' religion under Article 25 does not include the right to convert others."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Precise constitutional term — Article 25 gives the right to 'profess, practise, and propagate' religion. The SC's distinction between propagation (permissible) and conversion by coercion (not protected) is a landmark holding tested in both Prelims and Mains GS-2. Also used in misinformation/disinformation context (GS-3: propagation of fake news).
Relevant Subjects