accelerate

[ ak-sel-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·cel·er·at·ed, ac·cel·er·at·ing.

1. to cause faster or greater activity, development, progress, advancement, etc., in:

   to accelerate economic growth.

2. to hasten the occurrence of:

   to accelerate the fall of a government.

3. Mechanics. to change the velocity of (a body) or the rate of (motion); cause to undergo acceleration.
4. to reduce the time required for (a course of study) by intensifying the work, eliminating detail, etc.

verb (used without object)

, ac·cel·er·at·ed, ac·cel·er·at·ing.

1. to move or go faster; increase in speed.
2. to progress or develop faster.

accelerate

/ ækˈsɛləˌreɪt /

verb

1. to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up
2. tr to cause to happen sooner than expected
3. tr to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc); cause acceleration

Derived Forms

• acˈcelerable, adjective
• acˈcelerative, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·celer·a·ble adjective
• ac·celer·ated·ly adverb
• over·ac·celer·ate verb overaccelerated overaccelerating
• reac·celer·ate verb reaccelerated reaccelerating
• self-ac·celerating adjective
• unac·celer·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accelerate¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Latin accelerātus “sped up,” past participle of accelerāre “to speed up,” from ac- ac- + celerāre “to hasten, hurry” (from celer “swift”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of accelerate¹

C16: from Latin accelerātus, from accelerāre to go faster, from ad- (intensive) + celerāre to hasten, from celer swift

Example Sentences

The Scottish government is hoping to pass its latest proposals into law by next week via an accelerated emergency bill in parliament.

From BBC

"This means that people with cerebral palsy may develop other noncommunicable diseases in early adulthood that can contribute to accelerated aging and premature death," said Peterson.

From Science Daily

Four of the nine-strong Monetary Policy committee on Tuesday said it was was not clear whether prices rises will accelerate or slow in the coming months.

From BBC

More than 1000 sq km was taken between 1 September and 3 November, suggesting that the push has accelerated in recent months.

From BBC

The American Chemistry Council, which advocates for the chemical industry, is calling for EPA to shed restrictive rules and accelerate approval of new chemicals.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• advance
• expedite
• further
• hasten
• open up
• quicken
• spur
• step up
• stimulate