Definition

To cause someone to feel ill or to make someone feel disgusted.

Example

The smell of the spoiled food began to sicken her.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that video of the food challenge?

Yes, it really sickened me to watch them eat all that junk.

I know, right? I can't believe people actually do that for fun.

Me neither! It makes me sicken just thinking about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sicken → It is formed from "sick" (from Old English "sēoc", meaning ill or unwell) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "sicken" means to make or become ill.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'ill' ('sick') and how the '-en' suffix indicates a change into that state — that's why sicken means to become ill.

Visually Confused Words