kick-start

or kick·start

[kik-stahrt]

verb (used with object)

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

Origin of kick-start

First recorded in 1910–15

kick starter

noun

a starter, as of a motorcycle, that operates by a downward kick on a pedal.

Origin of kick starter

First recorded in 1915–20

Also called kick start.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for kick-start

Contemporary Examples of kick-start

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
Organized Races Looking for a way to kick-start a cardiovascular training program?
Five Smarter Ways to Train Your Heart
DailyBurn
December 9, 2013
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
Reagan managed to kick-start a recovery before he ran for re-election.
How Obama Could Blow It
Reihan Salam
April 24, 2009

British Dictionary definitions for kick-start

kick-start

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 Formskick-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