kick-start

or kick·start

[ kik-stahrt ]

/ ˈkɪkˌstɑrt /

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verb (used with object)

to start by means of a kick starter: to kick-start a motorcycle.

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Origin of kick-start

First recorded in 1910–15

Words nearby kick-start

kick plate, kick pleat, kickshaw, kicksorter, kickstand, kick-start, kick starter, kick the bucket, kick the habit, kick turn, kickup

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use kick-start in a sentence

The move is part of an effort to harness tourism in Italy to kick-start the economy.
Italy Plans a Disneyland for Foodies|Barbie Latza Nadeau|March 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Organized Races Looking for a way to kick-start a cardiovascular training program?
Five Smarter Ways to Train Your Heart|DailyBurn|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Doc Incubator matches directors with Newsweek and Daily Beast reporters to kick-start feature-length documentaries.
Frenemies: The Curious, Clashing Relationship of Obama and Netanyahu (VIDEO)|The Daily Beast Video|April 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Reagan managed to kick-start a recovery before he ran for re-election.
How Obama Could Blow It|Reihan Salam|April 24, 2009|DAILY BEAST

If Obama wins, the bar will even kick-start the president-elect's economic recovery with free cosmos for everybody.
It’s Time to Get Down|Deborah Schoeneman, Jocelyn Guest|November 4, 2008|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for kick-start

kick-start

/ (ˈkɪkˌstɑːt) /

verb (tr)

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

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

noun

an action or event resulting in the reactivation of something

Derived forms of kick-start

kick-starter, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012