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Kick: meaning, definitions and examples

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kick

 

[kɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

football

A kick is a physical strike using the foot, leg, or knee. In football, a kick is a method of striking the ball with the foot to propel it in a desired direction.

Synonyms

boot, punt, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kick

General term used for striking with the foot. Applicable in sports, self-defense, or informal speech.

  • He kicked the ball into the goal.
  • She kicked the door open.
strike

General term for hitting, which can involve fists, other parts of the body, or even objects. Often used in formal or technical contexts, including descriptions of natural phenomena.

  • The boxer struck his opponent with a powerful punch.
  • Lightning struck the oak tree during the storm.
boot

Used to describe a forceful kick, often with the heel or heavy footwear. Can imply aggression or strong impact.

  • The soldier booted the enemy away.
  • He got booted out of the club for causing trouble.
punt

Specifically used in contexts involving sports, particularly American football and rugby, where a ball is dropped and kicked before it touches the ground.

  • The player punted the ball down the field.
  • He made a perfect punt in the final seconds of the game.

Examples of usage

  • The player took a powerful kick at the goal.
  • He scored a goal with a well-placed kick.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To kick means to strike someone or something with the foot. It can also mean to end or stop something abruptly or forcefully.

Synonyms

boot, punt, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kick

Use this when referring to a general, strong movement made with the foot or leg. It can pertain to sports, self-defense, or casual situations.

  • He kicked the ball towards the goal
  • She kicked the door open
strike

Use this in contexts related to hitting something accurately, often with a specific object or part of the body. It is also commonly used to describe a deliberate act of hitting as part of a sport or combat. Sometimes it has a negative connotation, especially if used in the context of hitting someone.

  • He struck the match against the box
  • She struck the ball with her racket
boot

This is often used in British English to refer to starting up a computer ('boot up') or to forcefully remove someone from a place or role. It can carry a negative connotation.

  • He was booted from the club for causing trouble
  • Turn on your computer and wait for it to boot up
punt

Commonly used in American football to describe a specific type of kick where the ball is dropped and kicked before it hits the ground. It can also be used metaphorically for making a decision to delay or avoiding definitive action.

  • The team decided to punt on fourth down
  • They punted the decision to the next meeting

Examples of usage

  • She kicked the ball into the net.
  • He kicked the habit of smoking.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'kick' comes from the Old English 'cycean', which means to give a quick blow with the foot.
  • In the 15th century, 'kick' referred specifically to hitting a ball or an object.
  • The word has evolved in different languages, such as 'kicken' in German, which maintains the same meaning.

Sports

  • In football (soccer), a kick is crucial for scoring goals and passing the ball.
  • Martial arts also use various kicking techniques, showcasing agility and strength.
  • In American football, a 'kick' can refer to a field goal attempt, where players aim to score points by kicking the ball through the uprights.

Pop Culture

  • Kicking is often featured in action movies, symbolizing strength and skill in fight scenes.
  • The phrase 'kick the bucket' is a humorous saying about death, highlighting the word's versatility in language.
  • Famous songs like 'Kick It' convey lively themes and emphasize a sense of fun and energy.

Psychology

  • Kicking can be an expression of frustration or anger, helping individuals release pent-up emotions.
  • Sports psychologists note that practicing a kick can improve focus and discipline in young athletes.
  • The motion of kicking often correlates with feelings of empowerment, as it symbolizes taking action.

Games

  • Kicking is integral in many children's games, such as soccer, where players learn teamwork.
  • Kickball, a popular playground game, combines elements of baseball and soccer, emphasizing kicking.
  • In traditional games, such as 'kick the can', the simple act of kicking instills creativity and fun.

Translations

Translations of the word "kick" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chutar

🇮🇳 लात मारना

🇩🇪 treten

🇮🇩 tendangan

🇺🇦 удар

🇵🇱 kopnięcie

🇯🇵 蹴る (keru)

🇫🇷 coup de pied

🇪🇸 patada

🇹🇷 tekme

🇰🇷 차기 (chagi)

🇸🇦 ركلة

🇨🇿 kop

🇸🇰 kopanec

🇨🇳 踢 (tī)

🇸🇮 brca

🇮🇸 sparka

🇰🇿 теуіп жіберу

🇬🇪 დარტყმა

🇦🇿 təpik

🇲🇽 patada

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,904 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.