Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » jump-start
jump-start
(jump′stärt′)
☆
transitive verb
- to start (the engine of a motor vehicle) by using jumper cables, or by pushing the vehicle and then suddenly releasing the clutch when the vehicle has begun to roll
- Informal to start or start up, energize, revive, etc.: a plan to jump-start the economy
noun
- the act of starting in such a way
- Informal a quick start, recovery, etc.
See jump-start in American Heritage Dictionary 4
transitive verb jump-start·ed, jump-start·ing, jump-starts
- To start (the engine of a motor vehicle) by using a booster cable connected to the battery of another vehicle or by engaging the drive train while the vehicle is rolling downhill or being pushed.
- Informal To start or reinvigorate (an activity, system, or process): “struggled to jump-start his once front-running . . . presidential campaign” (Susan Feeney).
- The act, process, or an instance of starting a motor vehicle by using a booster cable or suddenly releasing the clutch while the vehicle is being pushed.
- Informal The act or an instance of starting or setting in motion a stalled or sluggish system or process.
Learn more about jump-start
Related Articles
