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.
Denver parents were among those planning to get a jump-start on shopping, according to a survey by Deloitte Consumer Industry Center. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025 Republican strategist Dave Carney said that Trump was going to be a force to be reckoned with, no matter what, in the 2024 election cycle, but the raid jump-started his incredible comeback. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025 Many CEOs may swear by morning cold plunges or green juice shots to jump-start their days. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 The most significant takeaway, in the context of California’s failing efforts to jump-start housing construction: Local governments continue to impose enormous construction barriers that undermine state efforts to streamline construction approvals. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2025.

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