Definition

1. Noun:

   • A starter mechanism operated by foot: A device, typically on a motorcycle, that is started by using one's foot and body weight to turn the engine over.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To start (a motorcycle engine) using a kick starter: To activate an engine by forcefully pushing down a lever with the foot.
   • To provide the initial impetus for; to energize or revitalize: To give something the necessary start or boost to begin functioning or developing effectively.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The vintage motorcycle still has its original kick start.
  • He couldn't get the engine going with the electric starter, so he tried the kick start.

• Verb:

  • He had to kick start the old bike every morning.
  • The new funding will kick start the community renovation project.
  • A strong coffee is all I need to kick start my day.

Advanced Usage

• "to give something a kick start": To provide an initial boost or impetus to a process or project.

  • The government grant gave the research initiative a much-needed kick start.

• "kick-starting" (gerund/participle): The act of providing an initial impetus.

  • Kick-starting the economy after the recession was a major challenge.

Variants and Related Words

• Kick-starter (noun): Another term for the noun form 'kick start', meaning the physical starter mechanism.
• Kick-start (adjective, attributive): Used to describe something that provides an initial boost.
  • The campaign served as a kick-start initiative for the charity.

Synonyms

• Jump-start (verb): To start (an engine) by connecting it to another power source; to give a sudden boost to. (Often used interchangeably with 'kick start', especially in figurative contexts.)
• Jump-start (noun): The act of jump-starting.
• Ignite (verb, figurative): To spark or initiate.
• Catalyze (verb, figurative): To cause or accelerate a process.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: 'Kick start' itself functions as a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs with 'kick' are listed here as they are distinct from the target term.) - Kick off: To start or begin, especially an event or meeting. - The conference will kick off with a keynote speech. - Kick in: To begin to take effect; to contribute. - The medicine should kick in within an hour.

Related Idioms

• "A shot in the arm": Something that boosts energy or morale. (Similar figurative meaning to giving something a 'kick start'.)
  • The positive review was a real shot in the arm for the struggling restaurant.

Noun

1. a starter (as on a motorcycle) that is activated with the foot and the weight of the body