I. ˈstärt 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
- to start with
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a sudden involuntary bodily movement or reaction
woke with a start
b. : a brief and sudden action or movement
c. : a sudden capricious impulse or outburst
2. : a beginning of movement, activity, or development
a false start
housing start s
3. : head start
4. : a place of beginning
5. : the act or an instance of being a competitor in a race or a member of a starting lineup in a game
undefeated in six start s — Current Biography