1 : to move faster : to gain speed [no obj] ▪ She stepped on the gas and the car accelerated. ▪ The plane accelerated down the runway. [+ obj] ▪ She stepped on the gas and accelerated the car. — opposite decelerate 2 : to cause (something) to happen sooner or more quickly [+ obj] ▪ He says that cutting taxes will help to accelerate economic growth. ▪ Conditions accelerated our departure. [=conditions caused us to depart sooner] [no obj] ▪ The rate of economic growth has continued to accelerate.
— accelerated adjective
▪ Changes have occurred at an accelerated pace/rate. ▪ She's taking an accelerated course in English. [=a course in which English is taught at a faster pace than usual]
▪ Changes have occurred at an accelerated pace/rate. ▪ She's taking an accelerated course in English. [=a course in which English is taught at a faster pace than usual]
— accelerating adjective
▪ an accelerating rate
▪ an accelerating rate







