accelerate
UK: əkˈseləreɪt | US: əkˈseləreɪt
vt. to increase the speed or rate of something
vi. to move or progress faster
The word "accelerate" originates from Latin accelerare, combining ad- (to, toward) and celer (swift). The root celer appears in other English words like "celerity" (speed) and reflects the Indo-European root kel- (to drive, hurry). The suffix -ate marks it as a verb. Over time, the meaning evolved from "to hasten" to its modern sense of increasing speed, retaining the core idea of swift motion.
The car began to accelerate as it merged onto the highway.
Warm weather can accelerate the melting of ice.
The company plans to accelerate production to meet demand.
Exercise may accelerate your metabolism.
Technological advancements continue to accelerate global communication.