jump-start \ˈ ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷ \transitive verb 1.: to start (an engine or vehicle) by temporary connection to an external power source (as another vehicle's battery) 2.: to start or restart rapidly or forcefully : give a sharp stimulus to < attempt to jump-start the stalled … arms control talks — Walter Friedenberg > • jump start\"\noun