quick·en 
/ˈkwɪkən/ verb
quick·ens; quick·ened; quick·en·ing /ˈkwɪkən/ verb 1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) faster
▪ She quickened [=hastened] her steps. ▪ We quickened the pace. [=we started to walk faster] ▪ Stimulants can quicken the heart rate.
b [no obj] : to become faster
▪ His pulse quickened at the thought of seeing her again. ▪ a quickening tempo 2 formal + literary a [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a feeling) stronger or more active
▪ The approach of the deadline quickened our sense of urgency.
b [no obj] : to become stronger or more active
▪ The drama quickened when police arrived at the scene.
▪ She quickened [=hastened] her steps. ▪ We quickened the pace. [=we started to walk faster] ▪ Stimulants can quicken the heart rate.
b [no obj] : to become faster
▪ His pulse quickened at the thought of seeing her again. ▪ a quickening tempo
▪ The approach of the deadline quickened our sense of urgency.
b [no obj] : to become stronger or more active
▪ The drama quickened when police arrived at the scene.
