kick
kick
Pronunciation
Kick
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /kɪk/
Syllable 1: /kɪk/
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/ɪ/ as in "sit" (short high front unrounded vowel)
/k/ as in "kick" (voiceless velar stop)
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: kick
Past tense: kicked
Past participle: kicked
Present participle: kicking
Third-person singular present: kicks
Noun:
Singular: kick
Plural: kicks
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To strike or propel something forcefully with the foot.
Synonyms: punt, boot (informal), strike, propel
Antonyms: catch, receive, trap (a ball)
To move the leg or foot rapidly or forcefully, often as a defensive action, in exercise, or for emphasis.
Synonyms: thrust, flail, lash out, strike (with foot)
Antonyms: remain still, keep steady, rest
(Informal) To rapidly or forcefully remove or get rid of something, often a habit or addiction.
Synonyms: stop, quit, abandon, overcome, break (a habit)
Antonyms: start, acquire, maintain, indulge in
(Informal) To function, start, or become active with a sudden burst of energy or effect.
Synonyms: activate, initiate, start up, engage, energize
Antonyms: halt, cease, shut down, disengage
Noun
An act of striking or propelling with the foot.
Synonyms: punt, boot (informal), strike, blow (with foot)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to the action)
A sudden, forceful recoil or jolt, especially from a firearm or engine.
Synonyms: recoil, jolt, jerk, thrust, rebound
Antonyms: smoothness, stability, stillness
(Informal) A thrill, excitement, or pleasure; a stimulating effect.
Synonyms: thrill, rush, excitement, pleasure, stimulation, zest
Antonyms: boredom, dullness, tedium, apathy, flatness
(Informal) A complaint or objection. (Often in "have a kick about something")
Synonyms: complaint, objection, grumble, protest, grievance
Antonyms: approval, acceptance, commendation, praise
Examples of Use
Books:
"The protagonist delivered a swift kick to the door, forcing it open and revealing the hidden passage." (From a fictional adventure novel, generic example)
"The martial arts master taught his students the precise technique for a powerful roundhouse kick." (From a non-fiction instructional book, generic example)
"He felt the familiar kick of adrenaline as the crowd roared, ready for the final sprint." (From a sports-themed novel or memoir, generic metaphorical example)
Newspapers:
"The government's new economic policies are expected to kick-start growth in the struggling sectors." (From a business or economics section, generic example, referring to initiating)
"A local football player scored a spectacular overhead kick, securing a crucial win for his team." (From a sports report, generic example)
"Health experts advise smokers to seek support to help them kick the habit for good." (From a health and wellness section, generic example, referring to quitting)
Online Publications:
"Learn the best techniques for a powerful soccer kick to improve your game." (From a sports coaching website, e.g., Soccer.com)
"This new energy drink promises an extra kick to boost your morning productivity." (From a product review or marketing content, generic example, referring to stimulating effect)
"Why you need to kick imposter syndrome to the curb: A guide for entrepreneurs." (From a self-improvement or business blog, e.g., Entrepreneur.com, figurative use)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I live for the kick of extreme sports; the danger just makes it more exciting." (Dialogue from an action film or documentary, generic example)
Television Series: "He gave the faulty machine a frustrated kick, and to everyone's surprise, it roared to life." (Scene description in a sitcom or drama, generic example)
Music (Song Lyrics): "I get my kicks on Route 66." (From "Route 66" by Bobby Troup, popularized by Nat King Cole, referring to thrills)
Video Games: "Press 'X' to perform a powerful kick attack on your enemy." (In-game instruction or combat tip, e.g., Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter)
Podcasts: "Our guest discusses how to kick procrastination to the curb and achieve your goals." (From a productivity or self-help podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to kick this cold; I've been sick for a week." (Common informal statement, meaning to overcome)
"Let's kick off the meeting with a quick update." (Common informal phrase, meaning to start)
"That strong coffee really gives me a kick in the morning." (Common informal comment, referring to stimulating effect)
"He got a kick out of watching the kids play." (Common informal expression, meaning he enjoyed it)
"My car won't kick over; I think the battery's dead." (Common informal problem description, referring to starting an engine)
10 Famous Quotes Using Kick
“Kick off your shoes, put your feet up, lean back and just enjoy the melodies.” — Kenny G
“You can’t kick people out of the way on the way to the top. You have to lift people up as you go.” — Michelle Obama
“You don't kick someone when they're down unless you're sure they won't get up.” — Jon Stewart
“Sometimes you need a kick in the pants to stop being comfortable with mediocrity.” — Robin Sharma
“Kick at the darkness until it bleeds daylight.” — Bruce Cockburn (often quoted by U2’s Bono)
“It’s not who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. And if they try, I’ll kick the door in.” — Ayn Rand (paraphrased and popularly adapted)
“Give a man a kick in the seat of the pants when he needs it and you may be helping him more than if you just patted him on the back.” — Donald Grey Barnhouse
“Kick failure before it kicks you.” — John Mason
“You gotta kick fear to the side, because the payoff is huge.” — Mariska Hargitay
“Kick off your fears and lace up your courage.” — Unknown (motivational saying used in sports & coaching)
Etymology
The word "kick" has a somewhat debated but generally agreed-upon origin, hinting at a sudden, often uncontrolled movement.
It's believed to have come into English from a Scandinavian source, possibly the Old Norse word "kikna," which meant "to bend backwards" or "to sink at the knees." Some linguists also connect it to Old Norse "keikja," meaning "to bend backward." This suggests an initial meaning related to the sudden backward movement of legs.
The word "kick" (as a verb) first appeared in English in the late 14th century (around 1380). Its first known meaning was "to strike out with the foot," often in the context of an animal like an ox "kicking against the pricks" (a biblical phrase referring to resisting authority, like an ox kicking against the sharp goad used to control it).
Over time, its meaning expanded to include the human action of striking with the foot, the recoil of a gun, and figurative senses like "to complain" or "to get a thrill."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Kick
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "kick," supplemented as needed:
Kick off: To start or begin an event, meeting, or process.
Kick back: To relax and enjoy oneself.
Kick the bucket: (Informal, euphemistic) To die.
Kick oneself: To regret something one has done.
Kick in: To start to take effect (e.g., medication); to contribute money.
Kick out: To expel or remove forcefully.
Kick up a fuss/storm: To make a strong protest or express anger.
Kick around: To discuss an idea informally; to be present or available but not actively used.
Get a kick out of (something): To find something amusing or exciting.
Kick to the curb: To get rid of something or someone; to discard.
A sudden jolt: A forceful impact or shock, similar to a kick. (Synonymous effect)
To initiate a process: To start something, akin to "kicking off" a project. (More formal synonym)
Provide impetus: To give a driving force, similar to giving something a "kick start." (Original phrase, focuses on starting energy)
Come into play: To become active or relevant. (Similar to "kick in" for an effect)
Throw a fit: To have a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger. (Similar to "kick up a fuss")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of kick from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
