1 B1 informal
To move or walk at a faster pace; to increase one's physical speed.
"The coach told the runners to quicken up as they approached the final lap."
inseparable
quicken up
B1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To increase in speed or make something go faster.
In plain English
To go faster, or to make something happen more quickly.
What does "quicken up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To make a process or activity happen faster.
"We need to quicken up the approval process or we'll miss the deadline."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make quick go up — to raise one's speed.
Actually means
To go faster, or to make something happen more quickly.
Usage tip
A reinforced form of 'quicken,' where 'up' emphasizes an increase in rate. Used both literally (movement, pace) and figuratively (processes, developments). Slightly less common than 'speed up' or 'hurry up.' More common in British English than American. Often used as a direct command: 'Quicken up!'
Words that pair with "quicken up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pace steps process heartbeat production progress
How to conjugate "quicken up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
quicken up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
quickens up
he/she/it
Past simple
quickened up
yesterday
Past participle
quickened up
have + pp
-ing form
quickening up
continuous
Hear "quicken up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "quicken up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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