jump-start
verb
jump-started; jump-starting; jump-starts
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
Sha Na Na's appearance at Woodstock jump-started a career that included several albums and their own eponymous variety show in 1977, per NYT.
—
Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
For other programs in recent years, previous relationships have proven critical as coaches like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti (hired from James Madison) and Washington’s Jedd Fisch (Arizona) were able to jump-start their rebuilds by persuading several of their key players to make the move with them.
—The Athletic Colleges Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
That line would jump-start sneaker culture and even turn Michael’s most bitter rivals into admirers.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
And late in Thursday’s game, Sturm moved him over to wing and slotted Zacha at center in the hopes of jump-starting the trio.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
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Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
For other programs in recent years, previous relationships have proven critical as coaches like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti (hired from James Madison) and Washington’s Jedd Fisch (Arizona) were able to jump-start their rebuilds by persuading several of their key players to make the move with them.
—The Athletic Colleges Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
That line would jump-start sneaker culture and even turn Michael’s most bitter rivals into admirers.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
And late in Thursday’s game, Sturm moved him over to wing and slotted Zacha at center in the hopes of jump-starting the trio.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump-start
Cite this Entry
“Jump-start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump-start. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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