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 the Dodgers’ 5-4 win on Friday night, Freeland scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, jump-started the Dodgers’ offense in the third inning, and showed off his arm strength in a pair of momentum-changing plays. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026

The centers could help jump-start emerging technologies such as geothermal energy, White said. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026

Even in making the assumption that an offense that sat dormant for too long last year will be jump-started by Brandon Nimmo, by a healthy Evan Carter, by a star-in-waiting in Wyatt Langford, this rotation has to be one of the league’s best for Texas to stand a chance. —Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 2026

Dairy Queen wants to jump-start spring with free ice cream. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 18 Mar. 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