Meaning
The phrasal verb “kick in” has several meanings depending on context:
- To start working or taking effect (often used for drugs, medicine, laws, or processes).
- To contribute or donate money or resources (informal).
- To break something forcibly (e.g., a door) by kicking.
Grammar and Usage
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Verb type: Phrasal verb (intransitive or transitive depending on meaning).
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Patterns:
- Something kicks in → starts working.
- Kick in (an amount) → contribute.
- Kick in something → break by kicking.
Variations
- kick in on sth (informal): to join or participate by contributing something.
Common Phrases
- The painkillers kicked in.
- Everyone kicked in $10 for the gift.
- The police kicked in the door.
Collocations
- kick in + money
- kick in + quickly
- kick in + the door/window
- law/policy kicks in
Examples
- The medicine will kick in after about 30 minutes.
- The new tax rules kick in next year.
- The caffeine finally kicked in, and I felt awake.
- Each employee kicked in a small amount for the charity fund.
- They kicked in $50 each to cover the bill.
- The firefighters had to kick in the door to rescue the family.
- Adrenaline kicked in, and he managed to lift the heavy object.
- The automatic backup system kicked in when the server crashed.
Synonyms or Related
- start, begin, take effect, activate (for processes or medicine)
- contribute, chip in, donate (for money/resources)
- break down, smash in (for doors/windows)
Antonym
- wear off (for medicine or effect)
- withhold (for contribution)
- close/shut (opposite of kicking in a door)