KICKDOWN Meaning and
Definition
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Kickdown:
Kickdown, noun or verb, refers to a mechanism or action in various contexts, commonly related to vehicles and transmissions. This term is generally associated with automatic transmission vehicles, particularly those with multi-speed transmissions.
As a noun, kickdown refers to the act of swiftly and forcefully depressing the accelerator pedal in an automatic transmission vehicle to allow the gearbox to downshift to a lower gear for immediate and significant acceleration. The kickdown typically occurs when the driver wishes to surpass the normal passing speed or quickly overtake another vehicle. This mechanism allows the vehicle to instantly access a lower gear ratio and maximize engine power to provide an exhilarating burst of speed.
As a verb, to kickdown represents the action of engaging this mechanism. In other words, it implies the deliberate act of rapidly depressing the accelerator pedal to enable the automatic transmission to downshift. The process involves the transmission control unit detecting the sudden increase in throttle position, which then initiates downshifting to generate increased power output and torque.
However, kickdown is not limited to automotive usage. In some colloquial contexts, the term kickdown can refer to an intense and vigorous release of pent-up energy or frustration. It can also denote an individual's sudden burst of motivation or determination, often seen in sports or personal pursuits. In these non-automotive contexts, kickdown signifies a sudden and forceful outpouring of action or emotion.
Common Misspellings for KICKDOWN
- jickdown
- mickdown
- lickdown
- oickdown
- iickdown
- kuckdown
- kjckdown
- kkckdown
- kockdown
- k9ckdown
- k8ckdown
- kixkdown
- kivkdown
- kifkdown
- kidkdown
- kicjdown
- kicmdown
- kicldown
- kicodown
- kicidown
Etymology of KICKDOWN
The word "kickdown" has its origins in the automotive industry. It specifically refers to a feature in automatic transmissions that allows the transmission to downshift to a lower gear when the accelerator pedal is fully engaged or "kicked down" quickly.
The term "kickdown" itself is a compound word made up of "kick" and "down". "Kick" in this context suggests a sudden, forceful action, as if one were kicking something forcefully, while "down" refers to the downward movement or shifting to a lower gear. The term emerged in the mid-20th century when the technology of automatic transmissions became more prevalent, and cars began to possess this feature.
