kick
A2Neutral to informal. Common in everyday speech, sports, and idioms.
Definition
Meaning
To strike or propel something forcibly with the foot.
To express or act out strong frustration, rebellion, or excitement; to forcefully reject or abandon (e.g., a habit); in computing, to forcibly disconnect a user.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to both the physical act and its metaphorical extensions (e.g., emotional reaction, thrill). It implies sudden, forceful motion, often from the leg.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'kick' similarly. 'Kick about/around' (to discuss casually) is more common in UK English. 'Kick the bucket' (to die) is equally common in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations of force, rebellion, and excitement. 'Kick off' (to start) is heavily used in sports in both, but also for arguments or events.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (He kicked the ball)SVOA (He kicked the ball into the net)SV (The baby kicked)SV (The engine kicked into life)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kick the bucket”
- “a kick in the teeth”
- “alive and kicking”
- “kick the habit”
- “for kicks”
- “kick yourself”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'kick-start the project', 'kick the tires on a new proposal' (evaluate).
Academic
Rare in formal writing except in specific fields like sports science or neuroscience (e.g., 'the infant's kicking reflex').
Everyday
Very common: sports, removing someone/thing ('kick out'), quitting habits, expressing frustration.
Technical
Computing: 'kick a user from a server'. Mechanics: 'the engine kicked in'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was kicked out of the pub for being rowdy.
- Let's kick this idea about at the meeting.
American English
- She finally kicked her smoking habit.
- He kicked the ball through the goalposts.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Rarely, if ever, used.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form. Rarely, if ever, used.
adjective
British English
- The goalkeeper made a kick save. (in sports context)
- It was a real kick-start to the morning.
American English
- He has a powerful kick serve in tennis.
- The rally provided a kick-off point for debate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child kicked the red ball.
- Don't kick the table!
- He decided to kick his unhealthy diet.
- The match will kick off at 3 pm.
- The sudden news was a real kick in the teeth.
- The new manager plans to kick-start the marketing campaign.
- They were just doing it for kicks, with no regard for the consequences.
- After the scandal, he was unceremoniously kicked off the board.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sharp, quick sound 'KICK' – it sounds like the action itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/FRUSTRATION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'kick up a fuss'). FREEDOM/REBELLION IS KICKING (e.g., 'kick over the traces').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите 'kick the habit' как 'пинать привычку', это идиома 'бросить привычку'.
- 'For kicks' означает 'для острых ощущений, забавы ради', а не 'за удары'.
- 'Kick off' (начать) часто связан с началом события, а не только футбольного матча.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kick' for a gentle touch with the foot (use 'nudge').
- Confusing 'kick off' (start) with 'kick out' (expel).
- Overusing the literal meaning and missing the idiomatic ones.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'alive and kicking' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but metaphorically it can apply to other forceful, sudden motions (e.g., a gun 'kicks' when fired).
'Kick off' is more informal and often implies the beginning of an event, project, or game. 'Start' is more general and formal.
Yes, very commonly. It can mean the act of kicking (a powerful kick), a thrill (did it for kicks), or in sports (a penalty kick).
It's an idiom. It evokes the image of putting your feet up, linking the physical posture to the concept of relaxation.