start
start Lexical Profile
start Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The point in time or space at which something has its origin or beginning; the act of commencing an activity, journey, or process.
"Getting an early start in the morning allowed them to reach the mountain trailhead before noon."
An initial opportunity or advantage given to someone in establishing a career, venture, or race.
"The apprenticeship gave the young carpenter a valuable start in the construction industry."
A sudden, involuntary movement of the body caused by surprise, alarm, or shock.
"She awoke with a sudden start when the thunder rattled the bedroom windows."
• verb
To begin or embark on an action, process, event, or undertaking; to come into existence or operation.
"The university lecture will start promptly at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."
To cause a machine, engine, or vehicle to begin operating, or for such a device to begin functioning.
"It took several turns of the key to start the old tractor on the frosty morning."
To establish, found, or set up an organization, business, or institution.
"After completing her culinary training, she decided to start a small bakery in her hometown."
To set out on a journey or begin traveling in a particular direction.
"The hikers plan to start toward the summit as soon as the morning fog clears."
To jerk or jump suddenly from surprise, alarm, or sudden pain.
"The deer started at the snap of a dry twig and bounded into the dense forest."
• Rhymes for start
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English sterten, derived from Old English styrtan ('to leap up, jump, or move briskly'), from Proto-Germanic *sturtijanan. The sense evolved from a sudden physical leap or jerk to the act of setting out on a journey and, by the 16th century, to beginning any action.