Synonyms

quicken

American

[kwik-uhn] / ˈkwɪk ən /

verb (used with object)

to make more rapid; accelerate; hasten.

She quickened her pace.
to give or restore vigor or activity to; stir up, rouse, or stimulate.

to quicken the imagination.

Synonyms:

enliven, vitalize, animate
to revive; restore life to.

The spring rains quickened the earth.

Synonyms:

vivify

verb (used without object)

to become more active, sensitive, etc..

This drug causes the pulse to quicken.
to become alive; receive life.
(of the mother) to enter that stage of pregnancy in which the fetus gives indications of life.
(of a fetus in the womb) to begin to manifest signs of life.

quicken British

/ ˈkwɪkən /

verb

to make or become faster; accelerate

he quickened his walk
her heartbeat quickened with excitement
to impart to or receive vigour, enthusiasm, etc; stimulate or be stimulated

science quickens man's imagination
to make or become alive; revive
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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Duane tried to be civil, but in truth, he felt a little spooked, so he quickened his pace more and more until soon he was running away.

From Literature

The miller cast his gaze on me, and I quickened my foot on the treadle.

From Literature

Although his speech set a record for length, these moments quickened the pace of the evening and fit with the president's larger theme of American patriotism and accomplishment.

From BBC

I start to chase after her, but she only quickens her pace.

From Literature

I scanned nearby tables for friends but was distracted by a woman quickening her pace toward the only available stool at the counter.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023