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.
It’s been more than 10 years since the 2014 riots in Ferguson, Missouri jump-started the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and what began as an underground and decentralized social movement turned into dozens of muted or poorly-thought out demonstrations. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025 While our skin naturally exfoliates itself, physical exfoliators jump-start the process by sloughing away dead skin cells. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2025 Some even offer motorboat tows to jump-start your trip. Kyle Stokes, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025 There was a hop, a skip and a jump-start for Newcastle. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 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

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 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump-start

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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