jump-start

verb

ˈjəmp-ˈstärt 

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

Synonyms of jump-start

• stimulate

Examples of jump-start in a Sentence

an intentionally provocative comment that was supposed to jump-start the discussion

Recent Examples on the Web

The duo had jump-started the AI-for-Erdős craze late last year by prompting a free version of ChatGPT with open problems chosen at random from the Erdős problems website. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026

In 2022, the Jets made three first-round picks in hopes of jump-starting their rebuild. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026

This jump-starts the softening process. —Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026

Weekday Wins If you’re stuck in a cooking rut or tight on time, swap in one of these smart shortcuts to jump-start dinners this week. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jump-start

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart