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

• 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

The big food meltdown After its 2015 merger, Kraft Heinz wanted to jump-start growth by buying rival Unilever, maker of Hellmann's mayonnaise and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025

The study could lead to a universal shot that helps jump-start a patient’s immune system when fighting cancer. —Bret Baier , Amy Munneke, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025

The Baylor pledge jump-started the offense with a 1-yard touchdown sneak less than five minutes before halftime. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025

The results skyrocketed Pasquantino into rarefied air and gave him the tools to help jump-start the Royals’ offense. —Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025

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