sicken

[ sik-uhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become sick.
2. to cause or experience disgust, outrage, or loathing.

   Synonyms: upset, outrage, disgust, revolt, repulse

sicken

/ ˈsɪkən /

verb

1. to make or become sick, nauseated, or disgusted
2. introften foll byfor to show symptoms (of an illness)

Other Words From

• re·sicken verb
• un·sickened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sicken¹

1150–1200; Middle English seknen, sicnen; cognate with Old Norse sjūkna. See sick ¹, -en ¹

Example Sentences

For instance, Peterson and his daughter hype an all-meat diet, which would sicken any person who actually tried to follow it.

From Salon

Sounding like something out of a James Bond novel or science fiction, the accusation has been that the government has been aware of, or perhaps participated in, the use of microwave or other energy weapons which can confuse, sicken and even kill individuals from an acceptable range without being traced.

From Salon

“Even without a H5N1 outbreak in cows, raw milk is not safe because of bacteria that can severely sicken people,” Jetelina said.

From Salon

For years, the state of California has been trying to curtail the use of various rat poisons that often sicken and kill wildlife and pets who eat prey that have ingested it.

From Los Angeles Times

Sea lions, he added, are like “sentinels of the sea,” providing clues about what is affecting the briny deep, such as toxins that sicken them and shifting fish populations that they chase.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affect
• afflict
• disgust
• nauseate
• offend
• repel
• repulse