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

Later in the third quarter, Isaiah Marshall jump-started a KU drive with a 42-yard completion to Nahzae Cox, only for the possession to stall at the Arizona State 26. — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 19 Sep. 2026

The Owls are hoping to use the lopsided loss to Tennessee to help jump-start the rest of its season. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

His last win was for Green Book in 2018, which jump-started that movie’s run to the Best Picture Oscar win. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Those achievements jump-started the school’s effort to secure an invitation to join the Mid-American Conference months ago on a five-year commitment. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 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