What does quicken mean?
Quicken means to become faster or more vigorous, and it can also describe causing something to develop more rapidly. The word is especially useful in figurative contexts: an event may quicken interest, suspicion, hope, or the pulse. In its literal sense, quicken describes movement or a process becoming more rapid, as in a storm that quickened or a pace that quickened. Although it is related in meaning to accelerate and speed up, quicken often carries an additional suggestion of heightened energy, urgency, or emotional response. It is a formal but broadly understandable verb, equally common in British and American English, and is particularly effective when describing not merely increased speed but a noticeable intensification of activity or feeling.
verbTo become quicker or more vigorous, or to make something move or develop more rapidly. It can also mean to stimulate greater interest, activity, or awareness.
- To become quicker, more active, or more vigorous.
- To make something move, develop, or happen more rapidly.
- To stimulate greater interest, awareness, emotion, or activity in someone or something.
"The debate quickly quickened as more residents became involved."
"Her steps quickened when she heard the familiar voice."
"The new evidence seemed to quicken public interest in the case."
"The pace of construction has quickened considerably this year."
The word quicken is older than the modern sense of making a car go faster: it originally meant to become alive or vigorous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quicken come from?
Quicken developed in Middle English from the adjective quick and the suffix -en, meaning to make or become quick. The adjective quick ultimately comes from Old English cwic, meaning alive, and is related to words in other Germanic languages with similar senses of living, lively, or vigorous. Quicksilver also reflects the same root: its historical name referred to the apparently mobile, living quality of mercury.
How quicken is actually used
The word is standard in formal and literary English as well as in general use. It is especially common in figurative expressions involving interest, suspicion, hope, or awareness.
Easily confused with quicken
Both describe becoming or making something faster, but quicken often also suggests increased energy, excitement, or activity.