kick-start

or kick·start

[ kik-stahrt ]
/ ˈkɪkˌstɑrt /

verb (used with object)

to start by means of a kick starter: to kick-start a motorcycle.

Origin of kick-start

First recorded in 1910–15

Definition for kick-start (2 of 2)

kick starter

noun

a starter, as of a motorcycle, that operates by a downward kick on a pedal.
Also called kick start.

Origin of kick starter

First recorded in 1915–20

Example sentences from the Web for kick-start

British Dictionary definitions for kick-start

kick-start
/ (ˈkɪkˌstɑːt) /

verb (tr)

to start (a motorcycle engine) by means of a pedal that is kicked downwards
informal to make (something) active, functional, or productive again

noun

an action or event resulting in the reactivation of something

Derived forms of kick-start

kick-starter, noun