start

start [stärt]

vi.

[ME sterten < OE styrtan & ON sterta, akin to Ger stürzen, to overthrow < IE * sterd- < base * (s)ter-, stiff, walk stiffly > STARE, STARVE, STORK]

1. to make a sudden, involuntary or unexpected movement, as when surprised; jump, leap, jerk, etc. in a startled way

2. to be displaced; become loose, warped, etc.

3. to stick out or seem to stick out [eyes starting in fear]

4.

a) to begin to do something or go somewhere; go into action or motion

b) to make or have a beginning; commence

5. to be among the beginning entrants, as in a race; be a starter

6. to spring into being, activity, view, or the like

vt.

1. to cause to jump or move suddenly; rouse or flush (game)

2. to displace, loosen, warp, etc.

3.

a) to enter upon; begin to perform, play, do, etc.

b) to cause or enable to begin; set into motion, action, or operation

4. to introduce (a subject, topic, or discussion)

5. to open and make the contents flow from (a receptacle); tap

6.

a) to give the starting signal for (a race) or to (the contestants in a race)

b) to cause to be an entrant in a race, etc.

c) to put (a player) into a game at the beginning

d) to play in (a game) at the beginning: said of a player

7. Now Chiefly Dial. to cause to start, or move involuntarily; startle

n.

1. a sudden, brief shock or fright; startled reaction

2. a sudden, startled movement; jump, leap, jerk, etc.

3. [pl.] sudden, usually brief bursts of activity: usually in the phrase by fits and starts

4.

a) a part that is loosened, warped, etc.

b) a break or gap resulting from this

5. a starting, or beginning; a getting into action or motion; commencement; specif., the fact of being part of the team that starts a game [a pitcher with 30 starts for the season]

6.

a) a place where, or a time when, a beginning is made, as in a race; starting point [ahead from the start]

b) a lead or other advantage, as at the beginning of a race or contest

c) a signal to begin, as in a race

7. an opportunity of beginning or entering upon a career, etc.

8. Archaic an outburst or fit, as of emotion, or a sally, as of wit

SYN.- BEGIN

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start a hare

Chiefly Brit. to initiate a topic of conversation

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☆ start in

to begin a task, activity, etc.

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start out or start off

1. to start a journey

2. to make a start on some course of action or procedure

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start something

to cause a disturbance or trouble

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start up

1. to rise up or stand suddenly, as in fright

2. to come into being suddenly; spring up

3. to cause (a motor, etc.) to begin running