jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts
Synonyms of jump-startnext

transitive verb

1
: to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (such as another vehicle's battery)
2
a
: to start or restart (something) rapidly or forcefully
advertising can jump-start a political campaign
b
: to impart fresh or renewed energy to (something) : energize
a plan to jump-start the stagnant economy
jump start noun

Synonyms of jump-start

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion
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.
Graves tried to jump-start his life on his third day out of jail. Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026 The commercial drive was boosted by a wave of immigrants, including many Jews, from Russia and other parts of the Hapsburg Empire, who were welcomed to the city in the mid 19th century to jump-start a lethargic economy. Joshua Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026 Some people shower to jump-start their day. Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026 In a step forward, city leaders recently jump-started early conversations with state officials on how to successfully navigate, this time, future development of the stadium property. Victoria Le, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jump-start

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump-start was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster