quickening

• Nom désignant le fait de manifester des signes de vie, notamment la première perception des mouvements du fœtus pendant la grossesse, ou l'action d'accélérer ou d'augmenter la vitesse.

A noun referring to the process of showing signs of life, the stage of pregnancy when fetal movements are first felt, or the act of accelerating or increasing speed.

1. Showing signs of lifeC1formal

   The process of something beginning to show signs of life or activity.

   Apparition de signes de vie

   • The quickening of the seeds in spring is a marvel of nature.
   • There was a quickening of interest in the old traditions.
   • The quickening of the economy was welcomed by everyone.

   Synonymesanimationawakeningrevivalstirringvivification

2. Fetal movementC1formalmedical

   The stage of pregnancy when the mother first feels the movements of the fetus.

   Premiers mouvements fœtaux perçus par la mère

   • She felt the quickening of her baby at around 20 weeks.
   • The quickening is a significant milestone in pregnancy.
   • Many women describe quickening as a fluttering sensation.

3. AccelerationC1formal

   The act of accelerating or increasing the speed of something.

   accélération

   • The quickening of the pace made the race more exciting.
   • There was a quickening in the rhythm of the music.
   • The quickening of technological change is unprecedented.

   Synonymesaccelerationhurryingspeedingspeedup

   Antonymesdecelerationretardationslowing

• Verbe désignant l'action d'accélérer quelque chose ou de devenir plus rapide ou plus actif, ou encore de raviver ou stimuler un processus, une activité ou une croissance.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something faster or accelerating, or to become faster or more active.

1. Move fasterB2formal

   To become faster or to cause something to move at a greater speed.

   accélérer

   • His pulse quickened when he saw her.
   • The runner quickened his pace as he approached the finish line.
   • The music quickened, and the dancers moved more energetically.

   Synonymesaccelerateexpeditehastenhurryrushspeed upstep up

   Antonymesbrakedecelerateretardslow

2. Make keen or more acuteC1formal

   To sharpen or intensify a feeling, sense, or perception.

   Rendre plus vif

   • The danger quickened his senses.
   • Her curiosity was quickened by the mysterious letter.
   • The debate quickened their interest in the topic.

   Synonymesanimatearouseexciteintensifyinvigoratekindlesharpenstimulatewhet

   Antonymesbluntdeadendullnumb

3. Give life or energy toC1formal

   To animate, energize, or bring something to life.

   Donner de la vie ou de l'énergie à

   • The spring rain quickened the dormant seeds.
   • A good speech can quicken the spirit of the audience.
   • The new manager quickened the team's enthusiasm.

   Synonymesanimateenergizeenliveninvigoratereanimaterevivestimulatevivify

   Antonymesdeaddeadendullkillstagnate

4. C2formal

   To begin to show signs of life, especially referring to a fetus in the womb.

   Manifester des signes de vie

   • The mother felt the baby quicken for the first time.
   • In the fifth month, the fetus quickens.
   • She described the moment the child quickened within her.

   Synonymesfluttermovestir

5. Give new life or energy toC1formal

   To revitalize or restore energy to something.

   redonner de l'énergie

   • The rain quickened the parched earth.
   • A short break quickened their spirits.
   • The new policy quickened the stagnant economy.

   Synonymesanimateenergizeenliveninvigoratereanimaterefreshrejuvenaterevitalizerevivestimulate

   Antonymesdrainenervateexhaustweaken