jump-start

[juhmp-stahrt]

noun

1. Automotive.,  Also 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