sicken
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become sick.
had sickened
-
past perfectof sicken.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cronobacter infections had sickened four babies who drank Abbott formula produced at the plant, two of whom died, but the company said there was no proof the infants became ill because of their baby formula.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
Harmful algae blooms had sickened marine life in each of the three years prior.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2025
Purina has been forced to rebut what it described as “online rumors” that have caused a frenzy on TikTok in recent weeks alleging that its Pro Plan food had sickened dozens of pets, mostly dogs.
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2024
People caught it, too, mainly from farming or live poultry sold at markets, and by 2017 it had sickened 1500, killing 39% of them.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 6, 2023
He found wood piled by one wall, built up the fire himself, and then with gestures asked for water, for swallowing sea-water had sickened him and now he was parched with thirst.
From "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin
