jump-start

American  

[juhmp-stahrt] / ˈdʒʌmpˌstɑrt /

noun

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

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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 British  

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

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noun

1. the act of starting a car in this way

Etymology

Origin of jump-start

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Travel back in time to the moment when Robert Downey Jr. jump-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe and remind yourself why.

From Los Angeles Times

For years, the Fed kept short-term interest rates at zero—translating to negative real, or inflation-adjusted, rates—in an effort to jump-start moribund economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Within weeks, Ellison sought to jump-start that process by aggressively pursuing an acquisition of a larger rival, Warner Bros.

From MarketWatch

Instead, honor Frank Gehry, who died on the day this deal was announced, by remembering the Bilbao effect — providing one shining example of greatness can jump-start global revitalization.

From Los Angeles Times

Some analysts peg the value of the offshore resource at north of $6.5 billion, and Flores stands to potentially make tens of millions of dollars if he can jump-start the platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal