The major 'thrust' of their research [=the main reason they are doing their research] will be to find practical applications.
Fame was 'thrust upon' her. [=she became famous even though she did not try or want to be famous]
He 'thrust' his way through the crowd. [=he went through the crowd by pushing people aside]
(..) We have your secretary. You ought to hide your weapon. We might be detected. It's neither on my behalf nor yours. Ok. I thrust my hand into my pocket to get the Polaroid photo, which may arouse your interest. Ok. You'll come with me. You and the old man. To talk to my friends. (..)1981 To Kill a Cop