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.
Our programs are designed to jump-start the recovery process. CBS News, 12 Jan. 2025 House and Senate Republicans on Tuesday refiled legislation to bar transgender women and girls from competing on school sports teams that match their gender identity, jump-starting work on an issue the GOP promised to prioritize in the new year. Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 In 2022, the Steam Deck jump-started the modern handheld gaming scene, and confidently showed the world that Linux could be leveraged for a smooth and performant gaming experience. Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Amari Cooper gets going, but with one caveat In recent weeks, the Bills have had trouble jump-starting trade-deadline acquisition Amari Cooper. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 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 19 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

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