thrust
n. C / Un. the main point or general meaning of what someone is saying. It can also mean a sudden, strong push.
n. the principal purpose or essence of an argument or piece of writing; also, a sudden or forceful push or lunge. Often used in the singular when referring to the core meaning of a statement.
The main thrust of his speech was that we need more funding.
While the report covered many small details, the central thrust was that the current policy is failing.
The philosophical thrust of the novel challenges the reader to reconsider the nature of free will in an increasingly automated society.
From Middle English þrusten, from Old Norse þrysta, from Proto-Germanic þrustijaną, possibly from Proto-Indo-European trewd-.
When referring to the main point of an argument, it is almost always used in the singular with the definite article ('the thrust of').