First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1kick
verb \ˈkik\
Definition of KICK
intransitive verb
1
a : to strike out with the foot or feet b : to make a kick in football
2
3
: to function with vitality and energy <alive and kicking>
4
of a firearm : to recoil when fired
5
: to go from one place to another as circumstance or whim dictates
6
: to run at a faster speed during the last part of a race
transitive verb
1
a : to strike, thrust, or hit with the foot b : to strike suddenly and forcefully as if with the foot c : to remove by a kicking motion <kicked off her shoes> d : to remove from a position or status <kicked him off the team>
2
: to score by kicking a ball
3
: to heap reproaches upon (oneself) <kicked themselves for not going>
4
: to free oneself of (as a drug habit)
— kick·able \ˈki-kə-bəl\ adjective
— kick ass
often vulgar : to kick butt
— kick butt
: to use forceful or coercive measures in order to achieve a purpose; also : to succeed or win overwhelmingly
— kick over the traces
: to cast off restraint, authority, or control
— kick the bucket
: die
— kick up one's heels
1
: to show sudden delight
2
: to have a lively time
— kick upstairs
: to promote to a higher but less desirable position
See kick defined for English-language learners
See kick defined for kids
Origin of KICK
Middle English kiken
Related to KICK
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, complain, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
2kick
noun
: an act of hitting someone or something with your foot : a sudden forceful movement with your foot
: an act of hitting a ball with your foot
: a sudden forceful movement
Full Definition of KICK
1
a : a blow or sudden forceful thrust with the foot; specifically : a sudden propelling of a ball with the foot b : the power to kick c : a rhythmic motion of the legs used in swimming d : a burst of speed in racing
2
: a sudden forceful jolt or thrust suggesting a kick; especially : the recoil of a gun
4
a : a feeling or expression of opposition or objection <a kick against the administration> b : the grounds for objection
5
a : an effect suggestive of a kick <chili with a kick> b : a stimulating or pleasurable effect or experience <got a big kick out of meeting him> c : pursuit of an absorbing or obsessive new interest <a skiing kick>
6
: kicker 2
See kick defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KICK
1530
Related to KICK
- Synonyms
- bang, boot, charge, exhilaration, frisson, jollies, thrill, rush, titillation, wallop
KICKING Defined for Kids
1kick
verb \ˈkik\
kickedkick·ing
Definition of KICK for Kids
1
: to hit with the foot <kick a ball>
2
: to move the legs forcefully <Our swimming instructor reminded us to kick.>
3
: to put an end to <kick a habit>
— kick·er noun
— kick off
1
: to start play in a game (as in football or soccer) by kicking the ball
2
: begin 1 <Then he said, “Okay! Third grade! … We're going to try something different to kick off the year …” — Megan McDonald, Judy Moody>
2kick
noun
Definition of KICK for Kids
1
: a blow with the foot
2
: the act of hitting a ball with the foot
3
: a feeling or source of pleasure <He gets a kick out of racing.>
4
: a usually sudden strong interest <He's on a health kick.>
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