kick

/kik/

Friendly

The word "kick" can be used both as a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings in English. Let’s break it down simply for you!

As a Noun:

1. Physical Movement:

   • "Kick" refers to a quick and strong movement made with the foot or leg. For example, if you play soccer, when you hit the ball with your foot, that’s a kick.
   • Example: "He gave the ball a powerful kick."

2. Effect or Stimulation:

   • It can also describe a sudden feeling or effect, often related to excitement or energy.
   • Example: "That drink has a strong kick!" (meaning it has a strong alcoholic content)

3. Objecting or Complaining:

   • Informally, "kick" can mean to complain about something.
   • Example: "I have a kick about the service here." (meaning I have a complaint)

4. Gun Movement:

   • In firearms, "kick" describes the backward movement of a gun when it is fired.
   • Example: "The gun kicked back into my shoulder."

As a Verb:

1. To Strike with the Foot:

   • When you use your foot to hit something.
   • Example: "The boy kicked the dog." (Note: Be kind to animals!)

2. To Complain:

   • To express unhappiness or dissatisfaction.
   • Example: "My mother has a lot to kick about."

3. To Propel or Drive:

   • To push something with your foot.
   • Example: "He kicked the door down."

4. To Stop a Habit:

   • "Kick" can also mean to stop doing something bad, like a bad habit.
   • Example: "I need to kick my smoking habit."

Advanced Usage:

• Kick it up a notch: This idiom means to increase the level of something, often in terms of intensity or effort.
• Kick the bucket: A humorous way to say someone has died.
• Kick back: To relax or take it easy.

Word Variants:

• Kicked (past tense): "She kicked the ball."
• Kicking (present participle): "The dog is kicking the dirt."

Synonyms:

• For the physical action: strike, hit, boot.
• For complaining: complain, gripe, whine.

Different Meanings:

• As you can see, "kick" can mean different things based on the context, whether it’s about physical action, a reaction, or expressing dissatisfaction.

Summary:

"Kick" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics
   • the kick must be synchronized with the arm movements
   • the swimmer's kicking left a wake behind him
2. the sudden stimulation provided by strong drink (or certain drugs)
   • a sidecar is a smooth drink but it has a powerful kick
3. informal terms for objecting
   • I have a gripe about the service here
4. the backward jerk of a gun when it is fired
5. the swift release of a store of affective force
   • they got a great bang out of it
   • what a boot!
   • he got a quick rush from injecting heroin
   • he does it for kicks
6. the act of delivering a blow with the foot
   • he gave the ball a powerful kick
   • the team's kicking was excellent

Verb

1. express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
   • My mother complains all day
   • She has a lot to kick about
2. make a goal
   • He kicked the extra point after touchdown
3. stop consuming
   • kick a habit
   • give up alcohol
4. spring back, as from a forceful thrust
   • The gun kicked back into my shoulder
5. kick a leg up
6. strike with the foot
   • The boy kicked the dog
   • Kick the door down
7. thrash about or strike out with the feet
8. drive or propel with the foot

Synonyms

• kicking
• gripe
• beef
• bitch
• squawk
• recoil
• bang
• boot
• charge
• rush
• flush
• thrill
• complain
• plain
• sound off
• quetch
• kvetch
• give up
• kick back