jump-start

verb

ˈjəmp-ˈstärt 

jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts

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

• stimulate

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion

Recent Examples on the Web

In it, Bugliosi lays out the prosecutorial theory — one concocted to put away a man for murder who didn’t actually commit the crimes — that Manson was trying to jump-start a race war, called Helter Skelter. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

And one way or another, though, Suamataia converted it all into fuel — and jump-started the rest of his career with a salvaging performance in the 2024 regular-season finale. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

And if that happens, experts say there’s a long-shot chance that fracking becomes a tool that jump-starts oil production in California’s already approved offshore sites. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Aug. 2026

That would really jump-start the re-evolution of the cable bundle, as Pitaro suggested. — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jump-start

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart