jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts
Synonyms of jump-startnext

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

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.
Tortorella’s other attempts to jump-start the top line, such as moving Mitch Marner and Mark Stone up beside Eichel at different points, didn’t work either. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026 As Bailey was standing in between the two vehicles for the jump-start, a gray Honda Pilot hit the Ford Escape and the impact led to Bailey suffering severe upper body and head trauma, according to police. Matt Cavallo, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The initiative is intended to help jump-start the US nuclear sector, which largely stagnated after the 1970s due to shifting public opinion, political pressure, and increasingly stringent regulations that prioritized safety above all else. David Szondy june 08, New Atlas, 8 June 2026 While water is traditionally used in Spain, especially large in paellas, Andrés recommends using stock when making the dish at home for a jump-start on the depth of flavor. José Andrés, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026 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 16 Jun. 2026.

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