Standard Lemma guide

jump-start

noun · verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The process or result of jump-starting a motor vehicle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I left my headlights on all night. Could you give me a jump-start?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A false start.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jumped-start, false start, flier, flyer

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To start a motor vehicle with a discharged ("dead") battery by connecting it with jumper cables to an alternate source of electrical current, generally either the charged battery of another vehicle or a purpose-made device ("hotshot").

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: boost

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To reactivate or rejuvenate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • Giving a really good speech at the convention could jump-start her political career.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: boost, reactivate, kick start

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

starting an automobile engine that has a weak battery by means of jumper cables to another car

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • my battery was dead so I had to get a jumpstart from my neighbor

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jumpstart

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: action

6

verb

Meaning 6

start or re-start vigorously

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The Secretary of State intends to jumpstart the Middle East Peace Process

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jumpstart

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: begin, lead off, start, commence

7

verb

Meaning 7

start (a car engine whose battery is dead) by connecting it to another car's battery

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: jumpstart, jump

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: start, start up

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: comienzo antes de tiempo — false start
  • French: ponter — Start a motor vehicle
  • French: démarrer par pontage — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: pasar corriente — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: yumpear — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: yompear — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: jumpear — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: jompear — Start a motor vehicle
  • Spanish: darle un impulso a — to reactivate or rejuvenate
  • Spanish: poner en marcha — to reactivate or rejuvenate