kick
kick Lexical Profile
kick Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A blow or forceful thrust delivered with the foot.
"With one powerful kick, the striker sent the ball flying into the top corner of the net."
A sudden feeling of sharp pleasure, excitement, or amusement (informal).
"The children got a real kick out of watching the street performer juggle flaming torches."
A sharp, stimulating, or pungent effect produced by food, spice, or drink.
"Adding freshly grated ginger and chili flakes gives the soup a warm, spicy kick."
The sudden backward movement of a firearm when it is discharged.
"The instructor warned the novices to brace their shoulders against the heavy kick of the vintage rifle."
• verb
To strike, propel, or hit something forcefully with the foot.
"The midfielder managed to kick the ball clear of the penalty area just in time."
To thrust or swing the legs and feet outward or up and down repeatedly.
"The swim coach taught the beginners how to kick steadily while holding onto the float."
To succeed in giving up or overcoming a persistent habit or addiction (informal).
"After years of trying, he finally managed to kick his smoking habit for good."
To spring back suddenly when fired (of a gun or firearm).
"A large-caliber shotgun can kick hard if it is not held firmly against the shoulder."
• Rhymes for kick
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in late Middle English as kiken, a word of uncertain origin, possibly borrowed from Old Norse kikna, meaning 'to bend backward or sink at the knees.'