Definitions

hasten

[hey-suhn] / ˈheɪ sən /

VERB

speed something; hurry

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accelerate expedite precipitate quicken step up urge

STRONG

advance bolt bound burn bustle clip dash dispatch express flee fly gallop goad hie hustle leap pace plunge press push race run rush scamper scoot scurry scuttle skip sprint spurt tear trot

WEAK

cover ground get cracking get the lead out haste make haste make tracks move quickly not lose a minute shake a leg step on it take wing waste no time whip around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

check decelerate halt hinder retard slow

STRONG

aid dawdle discourage dissuade face help meet pull stand stay stop wait walk

WEAK

go slow lag linger loiter procrastinate rest tarry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The severity of seemingly mundane, everyday anxieties — school bullies, the prom, graduation, obnoxious Cher-obsessed college roommates — is on par with demons trying to hasten the apocalypse.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

The administrator winding down Do Kwon’s Terraform Labs has sued Jane Street, alleging that the high-speed trading giant engaged in insider trading to profit unlawfully from and ultimately hasten the crypto empire’s collapse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

The German government just approved a list of measures to cut red tape that should hasten deployment.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

Those dogs, I hasten to note, are doing the best they can to bridge the void.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2025

The wind was so hot and dry, it would hasten the process of curing on its own.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing hasten

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!