kick-start
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to start (a motorcycle engine) by means of a pedal that is kicked downwards
-
informal to make (something) active, functional, or productive again
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
kick-startsimple
-
kick-startssimple
-
have kick-startedperfect
-
has kick-startedperfect
-
am kick-startingprogressive
-
are kick-startingprogressive
-
is kick-startingprogressive
-
have been kick-startingperfect progressive
-
has been kick-startingperfect progressive
Past
-
kick-startedsimple
-
had kick-startedperfect
-
was kick-startingprogressive
-
were kick-startingprogressive
-
had been kick-startingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of kick-start
First recorded in 1910–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The move aims to boost lending as the government seeks to lure investment to kick-start the economy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
The goal of the meeting was to discuss an easing of U.S. sanctions and kick-start higher-level dialogues about resetting U.S.-Eritrea ties.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
The purchase helps Amazon kick-start its space strategy by leveraging Globalstar’s existing satellites.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
I gave him $5,000 a few years ago to help kick-start him.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
I heard him racing across the gravel, yelling, “Maia!” to kick-start his flying sneakers.
From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
