kick
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for kick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To hit or strike something with the foot.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use kick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English kiken, likely from an Old Norse word meaning "to bend backwards at the knee", describing the motion of striking out with the leg.
Full origin of kick →Frequently asked questions
What does “kick” mean?
The word “kick” means to hit or strike something with the foot. In plain terms, most often means to strike with the foot, but also used informally for removing someone from a group, quitting a habit, or a thrill/buzz someone gets from something.
How do you pronounce “kick”?
“Kick” is pronounced kihk (/kɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “kick” in a sentence?
Here is “kick” used in a sentence: “He kicked the ball straight into the top corner.”
What part of speech is “kick”?
Depending on how it is used, “kick” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “kick” come from?
The word “kick” comes from Middle English. From Middle English kiken, likely from an Old Norse word meaning "to bend backwards at the knee", describing the motion of striking out with the leg.
Is “kick” a common word?
“Kick” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “kick” have?
“Kick” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hit or strike something with the foot.
What is the difference between kick and punch?
Both are forceful blows, but a kick is delivered with the foot or leg, while a punch is delivered with the fist. Kicks generally carry more power because the leg is stronger, whereas punches are quicker and use the hand. The distinction matters especially in sports and martial arts.
What are the other meanings of kick?
Beyond striking with the foot, a gun "kicks" when it recoils, a strong drink has a "kick," to "kick a habit" is to quit it, and to "get a kick out of" something means to enjoy it. As a noun, a kick is the act of kicking or a thrill.
What is an example of kick?
You kick a ball when you strike it with your foot, as in football or rugby. A swimmer kicks their legs to move through water, a baby kicks in the womb, and a startled horse may kick out. Each drives the foot or leg forcefully against something.