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

Since the avian flu arrived en force in California’s dairy industry in 2024, not only has it sickened cows, it has killed hundreds of domestic cats.

From Los Angeles Times

The judge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court said it must have been a "disgusting and sickening" experience for the girl, who was wearing school uniform at the time.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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