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

   he quickened his walk

   her heartbeat quickened with excitement

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 Word Forms

• quickener noun
• requicken verb
• unquickened 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

It could also quicken the pace of Bruins basketball.

From Los Angeles Times

He warns her about the drone, and she quickens her pace.

From BBC

In California, this process has quickened in recent years, with the process now being nearly “instantaneous,” Bonilla said.

From Los Angeles Times

In May the economy slowed again, and now inflation has quickened faster than expected.

From BBC

While installations have quickened recently, the country remains far behind that target.

From BBC

Related Words

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