— quickener , n.
/kwik"euhn/ , v.t.
1. to make more rapid; accelerate; hasten: She quickened her pace.
2. to give or restore vigor or activity to; stir up, rouse, or stimulate: to quicken the imagination.
3. to revive; restore life to: The spring rains quickened the earth.
v.i.
4. to become more active, sensitive, etc.: This drug causes the pulse to quicken.
5. to become alive; receive life.
6. (of the mother) to enter that stage of pregnancy in which the fetus gives indications of life.
7. (of a fetus in the womb) to begin to manifest signs of life.
[ 1250-1300; ME quikenen. See QUICK, -EN 1 ]
Syn. 2. animate, vitalize, enliven. 3. vivify.