n.
Pronunciation: ' stärt
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English sterten; akin to Middle High German sterzen to stand up stiffly, move quickly
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to move suddenly and violently : SPRING < start ed angrily to his feet> b : to react with a sudden brief involuntary movement < start ed when a shot rang out>
2 a : to issue with sudden force <blood start ing from the wound> b : to come into being, activity, or operation <when does the movie start > <the rain start ed up again>
3 : to protrude or seem to protrude <eyes start ing from their sockets>
4 : to become loosened or forced out of place <one of the planks has start ed >
5 a : to begin a course or journey < start ed toward the door> <just start ing out> b : to range from a specified initial point <the rates start at $10>
6 : to begin an activity or undertaking especially : to begin work
7 : to be a participant in a game or contest especially : to be in the starting lineup
transitive verb
1 : to cause to leave a place of concealment : FLUSH < start a rabbit>
2 archaic : STARTLE , ALARM
3 : to bring up for consideration or discussion
4 : to bring into being < start a rumor>
5 : to cause to become loosened or displaced
6 : to begin the use of < start a fresh loaf of bread>
7 a : to cause to move, act, or operate < start the motor> b : to cause to enter a game or contest especially : to put in the starting lineup c : to care for or train during the early stages of growth and development < start ed plants> <a well- started coonhound>
8 : to do or experience the first stages or actions of < start ed studying music at the age of five>
synonyms see BEGIN
– start something also start anything : to make trouble <always trying to start something > <don't start anything >
– to start with
1 : at the beginning : INITIALLY
2 : in any event