quicken

UK: ˈkwɪkən | US: ˈkwɪkən

Definition
  1. vt. to make or become faster; accelerate

  2. vi. to come to life; revive

  3. vt. to stimulate or invigorate

Structure
quick <alive, fast>en <verb suffix meaning "to make or become">
Etymology

The word "quicken" combines the Old English root "quick," originally meaning "alive" (from Proto-Germanic *kwikwaz), with the verb-forming suffix "-en." Over time, "quick" evolved to also mean "fast" (as living things are often energetic), and "-en" was added to create a verb meaning "to make alive" or "to make faster." This reflects the dual historical senses of vitality and speed tied to the root.

Examples
  1. The new software will quicken the processing time.

  2. Spring rains quicken the growth of plants.

  3. Her pulse began to quicken with excitement.

  4. The coach's speech quickened the team's spirits.

  5. Adding fertilizer quickens the soil's productivity.