quicken
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to become more active, sensitive, etc..
This drug causes the pulse to quicken.
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to become alive; receive life.
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(of the mother) to enter that stage of pregnancy in which the fetus gives indications of life.
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(of a fetus in the womb) to begin to manifest signs of life.
verb
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to make or become faster; accelerate
he quickened his walk
her heartbeat quickened with excitement
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to impart to or receive vigour, enthusiasm, etc; stimulate or be stimulated
science quickens man's imagination
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to make or become alive; revive
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(of an unborn fetus) to begin to show signs of life
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(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
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.
As the artificial-intelligence race intensifies, the speed with which the world’s biggest chip companies roll out each successive generation of computing products is quickening.
If you were already calm, your heart rate may have quickened with excitement.
From Los Angeles Times
Bets on lower Federal Reserve interest rates, despite both the quickening inflation pressures and solid GDP growth data, have added to the allure of precious metals, as has the recent rise in geopolitical risks.
From Barron's
The shot is already marketed in the U.S. and requires two doses over one month, which quickens seroprotection compared to hepatitis B vaccines that are delivered in three doses over six months.
From Barron's
An AI bubble, however, remains the market’s biggest “tail risk” according to the December survey, followed by worries over a disorderly surge in bond yields and a renewed quickening of inflation pressures.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
