Quickening: meaning, definitions and examples

used to describe something becoming faster, more active, or more excited, often in a natural or gradual way.

• The quickening of the heartbeat is a sign of excitement
• The quickening pace of technological development is remarkable

used to describe an increase in the speed or rate of something, commonly used in technical, scientific, or measurement contexts.

• The acceleration of the car was impressive
• Acceleration in climate change is a major concern

used to describe something becoming stronger or more acute, often used in the context of emotions, situations, or processes.

• The intensification of the storm caused widespread damage
• The intensification of his feelings was evident

used in everyday language to describe something becoming faster, typically in a more casual or informal context.

• The project is speeding up thanks to additional resources
• She noticed that traffic was speeding up as the morning rush hour began

In addition to its medical use, this word can also be used in literature or poetic contexts to describe the start of life or a sudden increase in movement or activity.

• In old literature, the quickening is often mentioned to signify the presence of life in the womb.
• The forest seemed to come alive with a sudden quickening as the storm approached.

This is a more general and clinical term used by healthcare professionals to describe any movement by the fetus during pregnancy.

• It's important to monitor fetal movement to ensure the baby is developing normally.
• She was advised to count the fetal movements each day.

Often used by expectant mothers to describe the initial light and fluttery feeling of the baby's first movements; it can be felt as a gentle, fleeting sensation.

• She described the feeling as a fluttering sensation in her belly.
• The fluttering sensation made her realize that the baby was starting to move.