An act of kicking is when you use your foot to push or hit something. This can include people, objects, or even animals.
Kicking around is a common phrase that means playing with an object carelessly or lazily. For example, if someone's kicking a ball around the park, it means they're not really trying to score points, but just having fun with the ball. You might also hear someone saying they're kicking back on their weekend, which means relaxing and doing nothing strenuous. In some contexts, kicking can also be an expression of anger or frustration – imagine kicking a wall in disappointment. But generally, when people say "kicking," it's about using their feet to move something around.
How common is "kicking"?
Word kicking is considered rare in modern English. It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
verb
To strike or hit with the foot or other extremity of the leg.
Example: Did you kick your brother?
To make a sharp jerking movement of the leg, as to strike something.
Example: He enjoyed the simple pleasure of watching the kickline kick.
To direct to a particular place by a blow with the foot or leg.
Example: Kick the ball into the goal.
(with "off" or "out") To eject summarily.
To forcibly remove a participant from an online activity.
Example: He was kicked by ChanServ for flooding.
To overcome (a bothersome or difficult issue or obstacle); to free oneself of (a problem).
Example: I still smoke, but they keep telling me to kick the habit.
To move or push suddenly and violently.
Example: He was kicked sideways by the force of the blast.
(of a firearm) To recoil; to push by recoiling.
To attack (a piece) in order to force it to move.
To accelerate quickly with a few pedal strokes in an effort to break away from other riders.
Example: Contador kicks again to try to rid himself of Rasmussen.
To show opposition or resistance.
To work a press by impact of the foot on a treadle.
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verb
To die.
noun
The action of the verb to kick.
Example: In boxing, kicking one's opponent is not allowed.
A violent assault involving repeated kicks.
Example: The bullies pushed the boy over and gave him a kicking.
A great loss or defeat; licking.
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adjective
Terrific, great (of clothes) smart, fashionable.
Example: a kicking pair of jeans
Alive, active (especially in the phrase alive and kicking).
Example: still kicking at 89
(of a party or event) Actively ongoing and enjoyable.
