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

Retail traders plowed a record net $40 billion into stocks that month, JP Morgan Chase analysts reported, helping to kick-start the rebound.

From The Wall Street Journal

Earnings results from the largest U.S. banks—including JPMorgan Chase & Co., which is slated to report fourth-quarter figures on Jan. 13—will kick-start earnings season at large.

From Barron's

Without Osedax to break down bones and kick-start the ecological succession process, fewer organisms may be able to access nutrients stored in whale remains.

From Science Daily

Frank must be hoping the way his team played with nine men against Liverpool can kick-start his side's season, but I'm not sure that will happen.

From BBC

Looking for ways to kick-start your retirement savings?

From MarketWatch