v. quick·ened, quick·en·ing, quick·ens v.tr. 1. To make more rapid: Stress quickens the pulse. 2. To cause (a body or soul, for example) to become alive; vitalize. 3. To excite and stimulate; stir: Such stories quicken the imagination. v.intr. 1. To become more rapid. See Synonyms at speed. 2. To come or return to life, as a soul. 3. To become excited or stimulated: Our interest in the project has quickened. 4. To reach the stage of pregnancy when the fetus can be felt to move. quicken·er n. |
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