First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1start
verb \ˈstärt\
: to do the first part of something : to begin doing something
: to begin to work on, produce, or give attention to (something)
: to cause (something) to begin : to cause (something) to begin in a specified way
Full Definition of START
intransitive verb
1
a : to move suddenly and violently : spring <started angrily to his feet> b : to react with a sudden brief involuntary movement <started when a shot rang out>
2
a : to issue with sudden force <blood starting from the wound> b : to come into being, activity, or operation <when does the movie start> <the rain started up again>
3
: to protrude or seem to protrude <eyes starting from their sockets>
4
: to become loosened or forced out of place <one of the planks has started>
5
a : to begin a course or journey <started toward the door> <just starting 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>
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 <started plants> <a well-started coonhound>
8
: to do or experience the first stages or actions of <started studying music at the age of five>
— 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
See start defined for English-language learners
See start defined for kids
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Origin of START
Middle English sterten; akin to Middle High German sterzen to stand up stiffly, move quickly
Synonym Discussion of START
begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. begin , start , and commence are often interchangeable. begin, opposed to end, is the most general <begin a trip> <began dancing>. start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages <the work started slowly>. commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start <commence firing> <commenced a conversation>. initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue <initiated diplomatic contacts>. inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance <the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine>. usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate <ushered in a period of economic decline>.
2start
noun
: the time at which something begins
: the first part of an activity, development, event, etc.
: the first opportunity to begin a career
Full Definition of START
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 starts>
3
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 starts — Current Biography>
See start defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of START
14th century
START
abbreviation
Definition of START
strategic arms reduction talks
Other Government and Politics Terms
START ANYTHING Defined for Kids
1start
verb \ˈstärt\
start·edstart·ing
Definition of START for Kids
1
: to begin an activity <I'm starting a new book.>
2
: to come or bring into being or action <Who started the rumor?> <Rain is likely to start soon.>
3
: to begin to move toward a particular place or in a particular direction <Let's start for home.>
4
: to cause to move, act, or operate <I'll try to start the motor.>
5
: to give a sudden twitch or jerk (as in surprise)
6
: to stick out or seem to stick out <Their eyes started from the sockets.>
2start
noun
Definition of START for Kids
1
: a sudden twitching or jerking movement <a start of surprise>
2
: a beginning of movement, action, or development <I got an early start.>
3
: a brief act, movement, or effort <They work by fits and starts.>
4
: a place of beginning (as of a race)
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