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

Maxey also buried a 46-footer to end the first quarter and jump-start yet another win for a Sixers team playing with serious NBA championship aspirations. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott signed an executive order Wednesday establishing an advisory board to oversee and help shape a program that would give families with newborns a financial jump-start. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Then-first lady Jill Biden pursued similar efforts to jump-start women's health research, and Biden officials in November 2023 launched their own White House effort intended to coordinate a cross-government response to boost women's health. — Dan Diamond, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

First-time offensive coordinator Sean Mannion must find a way to jump-start an often stagnant offense that could be missing as many as six Week 1 starters. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 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