jump-start

Formsjump-starts, jump-starting, jump-started

Pluraljump-starts

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To start a car that has a dead battery by connecting it to another power source with cables.

   Like using a friend's fully charged phone to power up your dead one.

   Can you jump-start my van? The battery is dead.

   We jump-started the truck with cables this morning.

   Similarboost

   Note
2. 2
   verbfigurativelytransitive

   To get something working or active again, or give it new energy.

   Like giving a tired plant water so it perks up again.

   The new coach jump-started the team after a long losing streak.

   A small loan helped jump-start her business.

   Similarreactivate, boost

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   The act of starting a car with a dead battery using another power source.

   Like a quick push to get a stalled bike rolling again.

   The jump-start got the engine running in under a minute.

   After two failed jump-starts, they called a tow truck.

   Similarboost

   Note
4. 4
   nouncountable

   A start made too early, before the signal to go is given.

   Like pressing 'go' before the whistle blows.

   The sprinter's jump-start cost her the race.

   Two jump-starts in a row got the swimmer disqualified.

   Note

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