What does kicked mean?
“Kicked” is the past tense and past participle of “kick,” an English verb with several literal and figurative uses. Literally, it describes a person or animal striking or propelling something with the foot, as in a player kicking a ball. It can also mean forcing someone or something out, dismissing someone, or causing an activity or process to begin, as in “kicked off the meeting.” In British and American informal usage, the word can mean made better or more successful, while the adjectival expression “kicked” may mean excellent or highly successful. These extensions reflect the idea of giving something momentum or a decisive start. The word is especially familiar in sport, but its figurative senses are common in journalism, business, and conversation. As a past-tense form, “kicked” may stand alone or form part of a perfect construction such as “has kicked,” “was kicked,” or “got kicked.”
verbKicked is the past tense and past participle of kick: to strike something with the foot, or to move or propel something forcefully. It also means to force or drive someone out, dismiss someone, or begin an activity, and informally can mean improved or made more successful.
- Struck, moved, or propelled something with the foot.
- Caused something to start or develop, as in kicking off a project.
- Forcibly removed, rejected, or dismissed someone or something.
- Made something better or more successful.
- Used informally as an adjective meaning excellent or highly successful.
"She kicked the ball into the net and scored."
"The goalkeeper kicked the ball decisively toward the far post."
"The new policy kicked off a lively debate among employees."
From a forceful foot strike to slang for something excellent, “kicked” has moved well beyond the football pitch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kicked come from?
The verb comes from Middle English forms such as “kikken” and “kicken,” which developed into modern English “kick.” Its deeper origin is uncertain, although it is commonly associated with a Proto-Germanic root and compared with related forms in other Germanic languages. Modern derivatives include “kickoff,” “kickback,” and “kicker,” reflecting the word’s long use for foot movements and forceful starts.
Related word forms
How kicked is actually used
In its informal adjectival sense, “kicked” is especially common in American English and often means impressive, excellent, or highly successful. “Kicked” is also used in informal expressions such as “kicked out,” while the phrase “kick the bucket” is an idiomatic and humorous way of saying that someone has died.
Easily confused with kicked
“Kicked” involves striking or propelling with the foot, whereas “tickled” means lightly touching the skin in a way that causes laughter or itching.