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[1] 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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