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.
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 The idea is simple: philanthropic capital can jump-start projects, and federal funding could eventually help scale it nationwide. Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 The data jump-started a big bond price rally, meaning yields fell. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Newsom chose San Quentin in Marin County, the state’s oldest prison, to jump-start the California Model last year. Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 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 6 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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