Main Entry: ¹start

Pronunciation: \ˈstärt\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English sterten; akin to Middle High German sterzen to stand up stiffly, move quickly

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to move suddenly and violently : spring <started angrily to his feet> b : to react with a sudden brief involuntary movement <started when a shot rang out>
2 a : to issue with sudden force <blood starting from the wound> b : to come into being, activity, or operation <when does the movie start> <the rain started up again>
3 : to protrude or seem to protrude <eyes starting from their sockets>
4 : to become loosened or forced out of place <one of the planks has started>
5 a : to begin a course or journey <started toward the door> <just starting out> b : to range from a specified initial point <the rates start at $10>
6 : to begin an activity or undertaking; especially : to begin work
7 : to be a participant in a game or contest; especially : to be in the starting lineuptransitive verb 1 : to cause to leave a place of concealment : flush <start a rabbit>
2 archaic : startle, alarm
3 : to bring up for consideration or discussion
4 : to bring into being <start a rumor>
5 : to cause to become loosened or displaced
6 : to begin the use of <start a fresh loaf of bread>
7 a : to cause to move, act, or operate <start the motor> b : to cause to enter a game or contest; especially : to put in the starting lineup c : to care for or train during the early stages of growth and development <started plants> <a well-started coonhound>
8 : to do or experience the first stages or actions of <started studying music at the age of five>

synonyms see begin

— start something also start anything : to make trouble <always trying to start something> <don't start anything>

— to start with 1 : at the beginning : initially
2 : in any event