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

• amp (up)
• animate
• brace
• energize
• enliven
• fillip
• fire
• ginger (up)
• invigorate
• jazz (up)
• juice up
• liven (up)
• pep (up)
• quicken
• spike
• stimulate
• vitalize
• vivify
• zip (up)

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Attendees of this year’s series have encountered creative work ranging from teenagers jump-starting a business of homemade coconut candles, to veteran painters showcasing years’ worth of art. —Autumn Alvarez, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024

Alcohol, bananas and seafood, to name a few Biden pushes to 'jump-start' hurricane recovery; at least 144 dead. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024

Now the country's leaders are firing up a new round of plans to jump-start growth. —Joel Mathis, theweek, 27 Sep. 2024

Taking at-bats at DH, this is the season that also jump-starts his career as a hitter. —Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1