sicken

verb

sick·​en ˈsi-kən 

sickened; sickening ˈsi-kə-niŋ 

ˈsik-niŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to become sick

2

: to become weary or satiated

transitive verb

1

: to make sick

2

: to cause revulsion in

their prejudice sickens me

sickener

ˈsi-kə-nər 

ˈsik-nər

noun

Synonyms

• disgust
• gross out
• nauseate
• put off
• repel
• repulse
• revolt
• turn off

Examples of sicken in a Sentence

Many people sickened and died on the long voyage.

The bacteria in the drinking water sickened the whole village.

We were sickened by the reports of violence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Banned in Europe In addition to being a carcinogen, formaldehyde, a colorless and smelly gas, can cause rashes and can sicken those who breathe it in, according to the FDA. —Ronnie Cohen, NPR, 8 May 2025

New outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships have sickened about 150 people, adding to the growing toll of such cases in 2025 ahead of peak cruise season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Domoic acid also can sicken humans who consume shellfish and fish. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

The outlet reported that a harmful strain of E. coli bacteria sickened dozens and killed one across 15 states in November 2024. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing sicken

• sicken of

Rhymes for sicken

• chicken
• likin
• quicken
• stricken
• thicken
• indican

Kids Definition

sicken

verb

sick·​en ˈsik-ən 

sickened; sickening -(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become sick

Medical Definition

sicken

transitive verb

sick·​en ˈsik-ən 

: to make sick

intransitive verb

: to become sick