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Kicked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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kicked

[kÉŞkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Kicked refers to the action of striking something with the foot. This can be done with varying degrees of force and can be intentional or unintentional.

Synonyms

booted, hit, struck.

Examples of usage

  • He kicked the ball across the field.
  • She accidentally kicked the chair.
  • The horse kicked the stable door.
  • They kicked off the game with a strong start.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative use

In a more figurative sense, kicked can refer to the initiation of an event or process, often used in phrases such as 'kicked off' or 'kicked into gear'.

Synonyms

initiated, launched, started.

Examples of usage

  • The meeting kicked off with a presentation.
  • She kicked into action after hearing the news.
  • The project was kicked off last month.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In many sports like soccer and football, kicking is a fundamental skill for both scoring and defense.
  • Soccer is known as 'football' in most parts of the world, emphasizing the importance of kicking the ball.
  • The average professional soccer player delivers hundreds of kicks during a game, highlighting its significance in gameplay.

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, phrases like 'kick the bucket' refer to dying, illustrating how the word connects to many aspects of life.
  • Kickboxing combines martial arts and boxing, showcasing kicks as a powerful fighting technique.
  • Kicking is often used in celebratory contexts, such as during dance or sports events, symbolizing enthusiasm and energy.

Psychology

  • Some studies show that physical activities like kicking can help relieve stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins.
  • The act of kicking can represent a need for empowerment, as it involves taking decisive action within a situation.
  • Children often kick as a form of play and exploration, indicating a natural connection to physical expression.

Literature

  • The word appears in various literary works, often symbolizing rebellion, freedom, or taking a stand.
  • In poetry, kicking is sometimes used metaphorically to describe ruptures in relationships or societal norms.
  • Classic literature often features character actions like kicking to represent struggle or drive, enhancing emotional connections in the narrative.

Origin of 'kicked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'ciccan', which means 'to strike' or 'to hit with the foot'.
  • In Middle English, the word evolved into 'kicken', retaining its meaning of using a foot to strike.
  • The term gained popularity in sports terminology, especially in football (soccer), where kicking is a central action.

The word 'kick' originates from Middle English 'kicken', which is derived from the Old English 'cyccan', an intensifying variant of 'ciccan' meaning to strike or to beat. The evolution of the term reflects a long history of striking actions related to the foot, specifically in combat and play. It has been used in various contexts, from sports to casual expressions, and has grown to include both literal and metaphorical meanings in the English language. The transformation of 'kick' into 'kicked' illustrates the common morphological processes in English verb conjugation, wherein the regular past tense formation typically involves adding '-ed'. As a culturally and linguistically rich term, 'kick' maintains diverse usage across dialects, from British English to American English, showcasing the flexibility and adaptation of language over time.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,226 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.