kicks; kicked; kicking
1
a
: to hit (someone or something) with your foot
The attacker kicked him in the stomach.
She lost her temper and kicked over the box.
He kicked the ball into the goal.
She kicked the ball to me.
The policeman kicked the door open.
b
: to move your leg or legs in the air or in water especially in a strong or forceful way
The baby kicked his legs in the air.
The swimming instructor reminded the children to kick their legs as they swam.
The baby kicked with pleasure.
The boy kicked and screamed as his mother carried him out of the room. = The boy was carried out of the room kicking and screaming.
—often used figurativelyThey told him he needed a computer, but he had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. [=he had to be forced to stop doing things the old way and use a computer]
2
sports
: to score (a goal) by kicking a ball
He kicked the winning field goal.
3
informal
: to completely stop doing (something harmful to yourself) : to put an end to (a bad or dangerous habit)
When he was 25, he kicked his cocaine habit and went back to school.
I've been smoking for years, but this year I'm determined to kick the habit.
4
informal
: to be full of life and energy
—always used as (be) kicking
He's almost 90 years old, but he's still kicking.
The movement is still alive and kicking.
plural kicks
1
a
: an act of hitting someone or something with your foot
He gave me a kick in the leg.
If you give the machine a little kick, it should start working again.
: a sudden forceful movement with your foot
a karate kick
b
: an act of hitting a ball with your foot
a soccer kick
a long kick in football
2
a
: a sudden forceful movement
—usually singular
I felt the kick of the engine when it started.
The rifle has a powerful kick.
b
informal
: a quality that produces a sudden powerful effect
—usually singular
The drink has a kick [=a strong effect from alcohol] to it.
chili with a kick [=a very hot and spicy flavor]
3
informal
: a feeling or source of pleasure
She gets a kick out of watching old movies. [=she enjoys watching old movies]
I got a kick out of seeing her again. = Seeing her again was a kick.
We play for kicks [=for enjoyment], not for money.
He gets his kicks from embarrassing his teammates. [=he enjoys embarrassing his teammates]
4
informal
—used with on to say that someone is doing a lot of something for usually a brief period of time
He's been on a health-food kick lately. [=he has been eating a lot of health food lately]
5
: an increase in speed at the end of the race
a runner who has a strong finishing kick
Cite this Entry
“Kick.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/kick. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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