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

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stock up your vanity with these staples, or get a jump-start on holiday shopping while deals last. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 To jump-start their rushing attack, the Patriots could involve Drake Maye on option runs from shotgun formations. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Redirected toward the common good, that scale of funding could jump-start a permanent safety net, and prepare workers for what’s next. Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 For other programs in recent years, previous relationships have proven critical as coaches like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti (hired from James Madison) and Washington’s Jedd Fisch (Arizona) were able to jump-start their rebuilds by persuading several of their key players to make the move with them. The Athletic Colleges Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jump-start

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump-start was in 1973

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Cite this Entry

“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

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