jump-start
verb
jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts
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
Examples of jump-start in a Sentence
an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion
Recent Examples on the Web
During the panel's Q&A, an audience member asked the star about A Knight's Tale, and if fans ever approach him and ask him to repeat some of his most iconic lines from the ending of the 2001 film, which jump-started his career in Hollywood.
—
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
And that kind of jump-started us, man.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Coen's ability to jump-start the Jaguars' ground game was a key factor raised by another executive entering the season.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Something jump-starts inside her.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
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Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
And that kind of jump-started us, man.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Coen's ability to jump-start the Jaguars' ground game was a key factor raised by another executive entering the season.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Something jump-starts inside her.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
Cite this Entry
“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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