Dictionary
start
Pronunciation: (stärt), [key]—
v.i.
1. to begin or set out, as on a journey or activity.
2. to appear or come suddenly into action, life, view, etc.; rise or issue suddenly forth.
3. to spring, move, or dart suddenly from a position or place:
The rabbit started from the bush.
4. to be among the entrants in a race or the initial participants in a game or contest.
5. to give a sudden, involuntary jerk, jump, or twitch, as from a shock of surprise, alarm, or pain:
The sudden clap of thunder caused everyone to start.
6. to protrude:
eyes seeming to start from their sockets.
7. to spring, slip, or work loose from place or fastenings, as timbers or other structural parts.
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v.t.
1. to set moving, going, or acting; to set in operation:
to start an automobile; to start a fire.
2. to establish or found:
to start a new business.
3. to begin work on:
to start a book.
4. to enable or help (someone) set out on a journey, a career, or the like:
The record started the young singer on the road to stardom.
5. to cause or choose to be an entrant in a game or contest:
He started his ace pitcher in the crucial game.
6. to cause (an object) to work loose from place or fastenings.
7. to rouse (game) from its lair or covert; flush.
8. to draw or discharge (liquid or other contents) from a vessel or container; empty (a container).
9. Archaic.to cause to twitch, jump, or flinch involuntarily; startle.
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n.
1. a beginning of an action, journey, etc.
2. a signal to move, proceed, or begin, as on a course or in a race.
3. a place or time from which something begins.
4. the first part or beginning segment of anything:
The start of the book was good but the last half was dull.
5. an instance of being a participant in a race or an initial participant in a game or contest:
The horse won his first two starts.
6. a sudden, springing movement from a position.
7. a sudden, involuntary jerking movement of the body:
to awake with a start.
8. a lead or advance of specified amount, as over competitors or pursuers.
9. the position or advantage of one who starts first:
The youngest child should have the start over the rest.
10. a chance, opportunity, aid, or encouragement given to one starting on a course or career:
The bride's parents gave the couple a start by buying them a house.
11. a spurt of activity.
12. a starting of parts from their place or fastenings in a structure.
13. the resulting break or opening.
14. an outburst or sally, as of emotion, wit, or fancy.
START
Pronunciation: (stärt), [key]Strategic Arms Reduction Talks.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
