kick in

verb

kicked in; kicking in; kicks in

intransitive verb

1
: to begin operating or having an effect : get started
waiting for the heater to kick in
2
: to make a contribution
3
slang : die

Examples of kick in in a Sentence

if everyone in the department kicks in, we can give him an especially nice present for his retirement the ornery cuss finally kicked in at the ripe old age of 90
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years in prison if a driver using a cellphone causes an injury or death. David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 So, when delays occur, AI’s diagnostic capabilities kick in, identifying root causes such as slower-than-expected boarding or baggage handling issues. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 The system kicked in and safely brought the train to a stop on the tracks. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024 These requirements could kick in as soon as next week and impact many campus groups. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for kick in 

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of kick in was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near kick in

Cite this Entry

“Kick in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kick%20in. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

kick in

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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