start

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /stɑːt/
• (US) enPR: stärt, IPA ^(key): /stɑrt/

• Audio (UK)

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• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular start

Plural starts

1. The beginning of something in place or time.
   • Synonyms: beginning, outset, square one, drawing board and introduction
   • Antonyms: end, finish and finale

   We went back to the start.

2. A movement in reaction to surprise.
   • Synonym: jump

   I surprised him and he gave a start.

3. A surprise, often not pleasant.
   • Synonyms: surprise and scare

   She gave him quite a start.

Verb

Plain form start

Third-person singular starts

Past tense started

Past participle started

Present participle starting

1. To begin; to do something for the first time.
   • Synonyms: begin and introduce
   • Antonyms: end, finish, terminate, complete, finalize and conclude

   They started the race in first place.

2. To make a machine begin to work.
   • Synonyms: start up, turn on and initialize
   • Antonyms: shut down, turn off and cut

   I will start the car.

3. To move in surprise.
   • Synonym: flinch

   When I touched his arm, he started.

Related words

• restart
• startle
• starter