| start (stärt) v. start·ed, start·ing, starts v.intr.1. To begin an activity or a movement; set out. 2. To have a beginning; commence. See Synonyms at begin. 3. To move suddenly or involuntarily: started at the loud noise. 4. To come quickly into view, life, or activity; spring forth. 5. Sports To be in the initial lineup of a game or race. 6. To protrude or bulge. 7. To become loosened or disengaged. v.tr.1. To commence; begin. 2. To set into motion, operation, or activity. 3. To introduce; originate. 4. Sports a. To play in the initial lineup of (a game). b. To put (a player) into the initial lineup of a game. c. To enter (a participant) into a race or game. 5. To found; establish: start a business. 6. To tend in an early stage of development: start seedlings. 7. To rouse (game) from its hiding place or lair; flush. 8. To cause to become displaced or loosened. n.1. a. A beginning; a commencement. b. The beginning of a new construction project: an application for a building start. 2. A place or time of beginning. 3. Sports a. A starting line for a race. b. A signal to begin a race. c. An instance of beginning a game or race: a pitcher who won his first five starts. 4. A startled reaction or movement. 5. A part that has become dislocated or loosened. 6. A position of advantage over others, as in a race or an endeavor; a lead. 7. An opportunity granted to pursue a career or course of action. Idioms: start something Informal To cause trouble. to start with1. At the beginning; initially. 2. In any case.
[Middle English sterten, to move or leap suddenly, from Old English *styrtan; see ster-1 in Indo-European roots.] |