jump-start

[ juhmp-stahrt ]

noun

1. Also Automotive. the starting of an internal-combustion engine that has a discharged or weak battery by means of booster cables.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a jump-start to:

   to jump-start an engine.

2. to enliven or revive:

   to jump-start a sluggish economy.

jump-start

verb

1. to start the engine of (a car) by connecting it to another engine with jump leads or (of a car) to start in this way

noun

1. the act of starting a car in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of jump-start¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Within his own administration, Obama had to jump-start a policy that had effectively ground to a halt in 2011.

From The Daily Beast

But Obama has to test himself as well and put some smart compromises on the table to jump-start serious negotiations.

From The Daily Beast

I have used this compulsiveness to jump start myself in foreign languages.

From The Daily Beast

They are currently looking for private investors to help jump start the company into the 21st Century.

From The Daily Beast

That's not a huge problem--indeed, congrats on getting a jump start on your retirement saving.

From The Daily Beast

I'd totaled about three hours of sleep, and even three cups of the Turk's caffeine mud failed to jump-start my brain.

From Project Gutenberg

So I want to work with you to give our economy an important jump start by making tax relief retroactive.

From Project Gutenberg

So I want to work with you to give our economy an important jump-start by making tax relief retroactive.

From Project Gutenberg