What does kick mean?
To kick is primarily to strike or propel something with the foot, as in kicking a ball or opening a door with a sharp push. The verb also has several figurative uses: it can mean to dismiss someone, abandon a plan, express a complaint, or begin an activity with enthusiasm. Expressions such as “kick off,” “kick in,” and “kick the bucket” show how readily the idea of forceful movement has developed into idiomatic language. In conversation, “kick” often sounds informal and energetic, while the literal sporting sense is neutral and widely used in British and American English.
To strike, push, or propel something with the foot; to drive something into action; to dismiss, abandon, complain about, or begin something.
"The children kicked the leaves around the yard."
Figurative senses such as “kick off” and “kick up a fuss” are common in informal speech and writing.
A forceful stroke made with the foot; an informal complaint or objection; a sudden stop or rejection.
"He gave the ball a powerful kick toward the goal."
The senses meaning complaint and rejection are informal. In British English, “give someone a kick” can also mean encourage or give someone a lift.
The plural is used for individual strokes or blows and, informally, for complaints or objections.
"The visitors responded with loud kicks about the referee's decision."
From the forceful strike of a foot to the phrase “kick the bucket,” one small word carries everything from football fields to euphemisms for death.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kick come from?
The word comes from Middle English kikken, which developed from Old English cīcan. It has close parallels in cognate forms such as Dutch kicken and German kicken. The basic sense of striking or driving with the foot is ancient, while figurative uses developed over time from the forceful character of the action.
Related word forms
How kick is actually used
The word is formal in its literal meaning but highly informal in expressions meaning dismissal, abandonment, death, or energetic encouragement. “Kick” meaning to complain is especially common in British and American informal English.