kick start
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- a starter (as on a motorcycle) that is activated with the foot and the weight of the body