Quicken

To make something faster, livelier, or more active.

Reach for it when describing an increase in pace, growth, feeling, or vitality

The first warm days quicken growth in the garden.

• everyday

  speed up

  plain wording for increased pace is best

  not when Speeding up does not cover awakening emotion or growth.

• warm

  enliven

  energy or interest makes something more engaging

  not when Enliven does not necessarily change speed.

• professional

  accelerate

  the rate measurably increases

  not when Accelerate is technical and says nothing about liveliness.

• formal

  animate

  life or expressive energy is imparted

  not when Animate can sound technical when a pulse simply quickens.

• formal

  hasten

  an action brings an event sooner

  not when Hasten can imply unwelcome rushing.

• literary

  stir

  feeling or activity begins to awaken

  not when Stir may be slight and not sustained.

• slow
• deaden
• dampen

• quicken the pace

  A second volunteer will quicken the pace without reducing checks.

• quicken interest

  The rediscovered letters may quicken interest in the old station.

• pulse quickens

  Her pulse quickens each time the starting bell rings.

• Quickening n.