quicken

American  

[kwik-uhn] / ˈkwɪk ən /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• quickener noun
• requicken verb
• unquickened adjective

Etymology

Origin of quicken

First recorded in 1250–1300, quicken is from the Middle English word quikenen. See quick, -en ¹

Explanation

When things quicken, they speed up or make something go faster. If you're late for school, you should probably quicken your pace. Your heartbeat probably quickens when you're afraid or after you've been running fast, and you could also say that your curiosity quickens (or increases) when you overhear a mysterious phone call. The oldest meaning of quicken, however, is "come to life," a definition which sounds very old fashioned now, but which was once used to describe an advanced stage of pregnancy: "The fetus began to quicken."

Example Sentences

Inflation data are already showing elevated price pressures in the world’s biggest economy, and surging oil prices will only quicken the pace over the coming months.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

However, exchange rates are a critical factor, and should yen weakness quicken during the January-March period, this timing could be brought forward, Citi adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

The reopening has begun, and this should quicken the pace for a potential December rate cut, which is now seen as essentially a 50-50 tossup according to the FedWatch tool provided by CME.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 14, 2025

It could also quicken the pace of Bruins basketball.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

Soon, a fairly wide trail opened, allowing him to quicken his pace.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

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