quicken

//ˈkwɪkən//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of quicken

Verb

quickenInfinitive
quickenPresent tense
quickenedPast tense
quickenedPast participle
quickeningPresent participle
quickensThird-person singular
1

To make or become faster or more rapid.

Her heartbeat quickened as she heard the news.

2

To stimulate or become stimulated; to give or restore life or vigor to.

The warm spring rain quickened the dormant seeds in the garden.

3

(Of a fetus) to begin to show signs of life in the womb; to reach the stage of pregnancy at which fetal movement is felt.

The baby quickened at around 18 weeks of pregnancy.