Dictionary
quicken
verb quick·en \ˈkwi-kən\
: to make (something) faster
: to become faster
: to make (something, such as a feeling) stronger or more active
quick·enedquick·en·ing \ˈkwi-kə-niŋ, ˈkwik-niŋ\
Full Definition of QUICKEN
transitive verb
2
3
: to make more rapid : hasten, accelerate <quickened her steps>
4
a : to make (a curve) sharper b : to make (a slope) steeper
intransitive verb
1
: to quicken something
2
: to come to life; especially : to enter into a phase of active growth and development <seeds quickening in the soil>
3
: to reach the stage of gestation at which fetal motion is felt
4
: to shine more brightly <watched the dawn quickening in the east>
5
: to become more rapid <her pulse quickened at the sight>
— quick·en·er \ˈkwi-kə-nər, ˈkwik-nər\ noun
See quicken defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of QUICKEN
14th century
Related to QUICKEN
- Synonyms
- accelerate, bundle, fast-track, hasten, hurry, rush, speed (up), whisk
- Antonyms
- brake, decelerate, retard, slow (down)
Synonym Discussion of QUICKEN
quicken, animate, enliven, vivify mean to make alive or lively. quicken stresses a sudden renewal of life or activity especially in something inert <the arrival of spring quickens the earth>. animate emphasizes the imparting of motion or vitality to what is or might be mechanical or artificial <happiness animated his conversation>. enliven suggests a stimulus that arouses from dullness or torpidity <enlivened her lectures with humorous anecdotes>. vivify implies a freshening or energizing through renewal of vitality <new blood needed to vivify the dying club>.
synonyms see in addition provoke
QUICKENING Defined for Kids
quicken
verb quick·en \ˈkwi-kən\
quick·enedquick·en·ing
Definition of QUICKEN for Kids
1
: to make or become faster : hasten <They quickened their steps.>
2
: to make or become stronger or more active <Curiosity quickened my interest.>
Medical Dictionary
quicken
intransitive verb quick·en \ˈkwik-ən\
quick·enedquick·en·ing \-(ə-)niŋ\
Medical Definition of QUICKEN
: to reach the stage of gestation at which fetal motion is felt
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