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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Providing capital to aspiring Black business owners could indeed be helpful in spurring entrepreneurship and jump-starting economic activity in urban and underserved areas. Rohit Arora, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Strong actions by Tunisia’s international partners are the missing element that could jump-start such a movement. Sarah E. Yerkes, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024 Former Olympic medalist Allyson Felix created these running shoes, which are designed specifically for a woman's foot and are perfectly timed to jump-start your New Year's resolution to start running more. Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Mediators renew cease-fire efforts After previous talks collapsed in late summer, international mediators were trying to jump-start cease-fire efforts between Israel and Hamas. Melanie Lidman and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near jump-start

Cite this Entry

“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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