kick-start

American  

[kik-stahrt] / ˈkɪkˌstɑrt /

Or kickstart

verb (used with object)

1. to start by means of a kick starter.

   to kick-start a motorcycle.

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kick-start British  

/ ˈkɪkˌstɑːt /

verb

1. to start (a motorcycle engine) by means of a pedal that is kicked downwards

2. informal to make (something) active, functional, or productive again

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noun

1. an action or event resulting in the reactivation of something

Other Word Forms

• kick-starter noun

Etymology

Origin of kick-start

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

I gave him $5,000 a few years ago to help kick-start him.

From MarketWatch

In December, CEO Elon Musk confirmed External link that SpaceX would seek to raise money through an initial public offering, likely the largest ever, to kick-start the rocket company’s AI ambitions.

From Barron's

When he kick-started the bedlam with a goal of balletic brilliance, McTominay entered the history books.

From BBC

The situation has led Li to seek higher efficiency, hoping new models will kick-start sales.

From Barron's

Earlier last year, the government agreed to a stimulus package of up to around $1 trillion for investments in defense and infrastructure, seeking to kick-start the German economy after years of stagnation.

From The Wall Street Journal