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, revolt, repulse

sicken

/ ˈsɪkən /

verb

1. to make or become sick, nauseated, or disgusted

2. to show symptoms (of an illness)

Other Word Forms

• resicken verb
• unsickened 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

She went on to write: “Thought I didn’t agree at ALL with Charlie Kirk; his shooting death sickened me; and should have sickened any decent human being. What is happening to our country?”

From Los Angeles Times

Harmful algae blooms had sickened marine life in each of the three years prior.

From Los Angeles Times

Evelyn Frandsen, who also attended the university, said it was sickening that this happened in her community, at her school — but also surprising, given that many here generally agree with Kirk’s views.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s sickening,” he said while repairing the fence.

From Los Angeles Times

In recent months, Lammy said he was appalled and sickened by the plight of civilians in Gaza and called on Israel to allow in more aid.

From BBC

Related Words

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