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.
The right amount of rain at the right time can jump-start the nutrients antlers require (although, as Heffelfinger’s experience shows, above-average moisture is the most influential in areas with relatively sparse precipitation). Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025 The move jump-starts a long-simmering unionization effort that comes amid scrutiny of the electric utility for potential mishandling of the devastating Eaton fire. Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 In the bottom of that inning, Colorado struck back in an inning jump-started by Ryan McMahon’s double off the right-field wall. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025 Iran and the United States will hold talks in the sultanate of Oman on Saturday in an attempt to jump-start negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. Associated Press, Time, 9 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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