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

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

Newcastle are simply running out of fixtures to finally kick-start their Premier League season once and for all.

From BBC

For the superrich, private bankers or lawyers might fly to vacation homes to facilitate sit-downs or kick-start a financial conversation on the ski slopes or at the lake house.

From The Wall Street Journal

Weston kick-started the golden rush, withstanding the heavy pressure on his shoulders to win the men's skeleton title that was always his to lose.

From BBC