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

Recent Examples on the Web

The two countries will also highlight economic investments, notably in electric-vehicle battery manufacturing, where Washington needs Tokyo’s assistance to jump-start production and fend off Beijing’s dominance. —Jeanne Whalen, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

On Tuesday, contractors for the state are expected to begin drilling vertical anchors in the damaged southbound lane, jump-starting the stabilization work, according to an update Sunday. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

The half-mile track shaped like a paper clip is home to the triumphant victory that jump-started the success of the team 14-time Cup Series champions. —Jim Dedmon, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2024

This product is formulated using only natural ingredients and is a great option for jump-starting your weight-loss journey. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

His invention paved the way for the creation of one of Europe’s first successful commercial e-bikes, the Flyer Series C, which helped jump-start today’s worldwide craze. —Tim Neville, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2024

Stuber joined in 2017 with the mandate to build up the streamer’s originals library and jump-start its tentpole ambitions. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Apr. 2024

The items on this list sound nice to liberal ears: Defeat Hamas, free the hostages, capsize Netanyahu’s coalition, end the war, and jump-start the peace process. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 30 Mar. 2024

If consumers were to pull back, en masse, to await lower prices, businesses would face intense pressure to cut prices even more to try to jump-start sales. —Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1