quicken
verb (used with object)
to make more rapid; accelerate; hasten.
were quickening
-
past progressiveof quicken.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The Butterflies were quickening their stroke every moment, and consequently were continuing to increase the distance between the two boats.
From All Aboard; or, Life on the Lake A Sequel to "The Boat Club" by Oliver Optic
It had sprung from the urgent, immediate, and momentous common interests of the great communities struggling for independence, and, as it were, quickening into life.
From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 2, part 2: John Quincy Adams by James D. (James Daniel) Richardson
A memory of a man's steps—they were leaving her—they were hurrying—they were quickening to a run.
From The Honorable Miss A Story of an Old-Fashioned Town by F. Earl Christy
Within himself new thoughts, new imaginings, dim longings for he knew not what, were quickening and thrilling.
From Lafcadio Hearn by Nina H. Kennard
With each instant her perceptive powers were quickening.
From The Stowaway Girl by Louis Tracy
