jump start

jump starts, jump starting, jump started

1) VERB To jump start a vehicle which has a flat battery means to make the engine start by getting power from the battery of another vehicle, using special cables called jump leads.

[V n] He was huddled with John trying to jump start his car.

N-COUNT

Jump start is also a noun.

I drove out to give him a jump start because his battery was dead.

2) VERB To jump start a system or process that has stopped working or progressing means to do something that will make it start working quickly or effectively.

[V n] The EU is trying to jump start the peace process.

N-COUNT: usu singular

Jump start is also a noun.

...attempts to give the industry a jump start.