Thrust on Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Unwelcome Burden Indicates a heavy responsibility not willingly accepted. He had leadership thrust on him, though he never sought it. Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Situation Use when someone is pushed into a situation without time to prepare. With the CEO's resignation, the role of director was thrust on Jenna. Pro Tip 3/3Reluctant Acceptance Often implies the receiver is accepting a role with resistance or hesitance. Reluctantly, she saw the mantle of caregiver thrust on her shoulders.