Definition of "jump-start" in English

verb

1. (transitive) 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").

2. (transitive, figuratively) To reactivate or rejuvenate.

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

noun

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

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

2. (sports) A false start.