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

Houston went 3-0 in Mills’ three starts, which jump-started a nine-game winning streak to end the regular season. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026

Edge K’Lavon Chaisson The first-round pick in 2020 came to New England hoping a one-year deal and a change of scenery would jump-start his career. —Chad Graff, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The goal is to jump-start the economy. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

Last month, Raman tried without success to put a measure on the June 2 ballot that would have scaled back the types of properties covered by the tax, in hopes of jump-starting apartment construction. —Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 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