quicken

[ kwik-uhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make more rapid; accelerate; hasten:

   She quickened her pace.

2. to give or restore vigor or activity to; stir up, rouse, or stimulate:

   to quicken the imagination.

   Synonyms: enliven, vitalize, animate

3. to revive; restore life to:

   The spring rains quickened the earth.

   Synonyms: vivify

verb (used without object)

1. to become more active, sensitive, etc.:

   This drug causes the pulse to quicken.

2. to become alive; receive life.
3. (of the mother) to enter that stage of pregnancy in which the fetus gives indications of life.
4. (of a fetus in the womb) to begin to manifest signs of life.

quicken

/ ˈkwɪkən /

verb

1. to make or become faster; accelerate

   her heartbeat quickened with excitement

   he quickened his walk

2. to impart to or receive vigour, enthusiasm, etc; stimulate or be stimulated

   science quickens man's imagination

3. to make or become alive; revive
4. 1. (of an unborn fetus) to begin to show signs of life
   2. (of a pregnant woman) to reach the stage of pregnancy at which movements of the fetus can be felt

Other Words From

• quicken·er noun
• re·quicken verb
• un·quickened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quicken¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, quicken is from the Middle English word quikenen. See quick, -en ¹

Example Sentences

In his “Commentaries,” Blackstone argued that life “begins in contemplation of law as soon as an infant is able to stir in the mother's womb,” known as “quickening.”

From Salon

On the contrary they’ve been strengthened by additional troops and their advance has quickened.

From BBC

My breathing began to quicken, and I tossed frantic glances to my three siblings, who were standing around me.

From Salon

My pulse quickened just hearing you say that.

From Los Angeles Times

But as it became clear that no swap would be possible without including Krasikov’s release, Germany’s resistance eroded, and the pace of negotiations quickened.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accelerate
• expedite
• hasten
• promote
• revitalize
• revive
• spur
• step up
• stimulate
• strengthen