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START
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The act of starting something
Example:
he was responsible for the beginning of negotiations
Synonyms:
beginning; commencement; start
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
change of state (the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "start"):
startup (the act of setting in operation)
scrum; scrummage ((rugby) the method of beginning play in which the forwards of each team crouch side by side with locked arms; play starts when the ball is thrown in between them and the two sides compete for possession)
recommencement; resumption (beginning again)
kickoff ((football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score)
jump ball ((basketball) the way play begins or resumes when possession is disputed; an official tosses the ball up between two players who jump in an effort to tap it to a teammate)
installation; installing; installment; instalment (the act of installing something (as equipment))
creation; foundation; founding; initiation; innovation; instauration; institution; introduction; origination (the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new)
inauguration; startup (the act of starting a new operation or practice)
icebreaker (a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere)
housing start (the act of starting to construct a house)
groundbreaking; groundbreaking ceremony (the ceremonial breaking of the ground to formally begin a construction project)
first step; initiative; opening; opening move (the first of a series of actions)
face-off ((ice hockey) the method of starting play; a referee drops the puck between two opposing players)
debut; entry; first appearance; introduction; launching; unveiling (the act of beginning something new)
constitution; establishment; formation; organisation; organization (the act of forming or establishing something)
attack; tone-beginning (a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase)
activation (making active and effective (as a bomb))
jumping-off point; point of departure; springboard (a beginning from which an enterprise is launched)
Instance hyponyms:
Creation ((theology) God's act of bringing the universe into existence)
Antonym:
finish (the act of finishing)
Derivation:
start (take the first step or steps in carrying out an action)
start (set in motion, cause to start)
start (play in the starting lineup)
start (bring into being)
start (get off the ground)
start (begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job)
start (begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object)
start (have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense)
start (have a beginning characterized in some specified way)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)
Example:
his starting meant that the coach thought he was one of their best linemen
Synonyms:
start; starting
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
play; turn ((game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession)
Derivation:
start (play in the starting lineup)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A sudden involuntary movement
Example:
he awoke with a start
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
inborn reflex; innate reflex; instinctive reflex; physiological reaction; reflex; reflex action; reflex response; unconditioned reflex (an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "start"):
flinch; wince (a reflex response to sudden pain)
Moro reflex; startle reflex (a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs)
startle reaction; startle response (a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions)
Derivation:
start (move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm)
Sense 4
Meaning:
The advantage gained by beginning early (as in a race)
Example:
with an hour's start he will be hard to catch
Synonyms:
head start; start
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
advantage; vantage (the quality of having a superior or more favorable position)
Sense 5
Meaning:
A signal to begin (as in a race)
Example:
the runners awaited the start
Synonyms:
start; starting signal
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
sign; signal; signaling (any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message)
Sense 6
Meaning:
The beginning of anything
Example:
it was off to a good start
Classified under:
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
beginning (the event consisting of the start of something)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "start"):
racing start (the start of a race)
kickoff; send-off; start-off (a start given to contestants)
curtain raising; opening; opening night (the first performance (as of a theatrical production))
alpha (the beginning of a series or sequence)
opener (the first event in a series)
flying start; running start (a quick and auspicious beginning)
dawn; morning (the earliest period)
oncoming; onset (the beginning or early stages)
thelarche (the start of breast development in a woman at the beginning of puberty)
menarche (the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman)
adrenarche (the increase in activity of the adrenal glands just before puberty)
Derivation:
start (have a beginning characterized in some specified way)
start (have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense)
start (begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object)
start (begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job)
start (get off the ground)
start (bring into being)
start (set in motion, cause to start)
start (take the first step or steps in carrying out an action)
Sense 7
Meaning:
A line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game
Synonyms:
scratch; scratch line; start; starting line
Classified under:
Nouns denoting spatial position
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
line (in games or sports; a mark indicating positions or bounds of the playing area)
Sense 8
Meaning:
The time at which something is supposed to begin
Example:
she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
Synonyms:
beginning; commencement; first; get-go; kickoff; offset; outset; showtime; start; starting time
Classified under:
Nouns denoting time and temporal relations
Hypernyms ("start" is a kind of...):
point; point in time (an instant of time)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "start"):
birth (the time when something begins (especially life))
incipience; incipiency (beginning to exist or to be apparent)
starting point; terminus a quo (earliest limiting point)
threshold (the starting point for a new state or experience)
Derivation:
start (take the first step or steps in carrying out an action)
start (set in motion, cause to start)
start (bring into being)
start (get off the ground)
start (begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job)
start (have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense)
II. (verb)
Verb forms
Present simple: I / you / we / they start ... he / she / it starts
Past simple: started
Past participle: started
-ing form: starting
Sense 1
Meaning:
Take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
Example:
Let's get down to work now
Synonyms:
begin; commence; get; get down; set about; set out; start; start out
Classified under:
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.
Verb group:
begin (begin to speak, understand, read, and write a language)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
bestir oneself; get cracking; get going; get moving; get rolling; get started; get weaving (start to be active)
embark; enter (set out on (an enterprise or subject of study))
come on (occur or become available)
launch; plunge (begin with vigor)
break in (start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role)
attack (set to work upon; turn one's energies vigorously to a task)
auspicate (commence in a manner calculated to bring good luck)
get to (arrive at the point of)
jump off (set off quickly, usually with success)
fall (begin vigorously)
strike out (set out on a course of action)
recommence (begin again)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE
Somebody ----s VERB-ing
Sentence examples:
They start to move
They start moving
Derivation:
starter (any new participant in some activity)
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the act of starting something)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Set in motion, cause to start
Example:
begin a new chapter in your life
Synonyms:
begin; commence; lead off; start
Classified under:
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.
Cause:
begin; start (have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense)
Verb group:
begin (have a beginning, of a temporal event)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
commence; embark on; start; start up (get off the ground)
set off (set in motion or cause to begin)
inaugurate; introduce; usher in (be a precursor of)
recommence (cause to start anew)
jump-start; jumpstart (start or re-start vigorously)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Play in the starting lineup
Classified under:
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
play (participate in games or sport)
Domain category:
athletics; sport (an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start; starting (a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning))
Sense 4
Meaning:
Bring into being
Example:
Start a foundation
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
create; make (make or cause to be or to become)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
initiate; lead up (set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for)
set (apply or start)
date back; date from; go back (belong to an earlier time)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
starter (any new participant in some activity)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Get off the ground
Example:
The blood shed started when the partisans launched a surprise attack
Synonyms:
commence; embark on; start; start up
Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
begin; commence; lead off; start (set in motion, cause to start)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
inaugurate; kick off (commence officially)
open (begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Derivation:
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the act of starting something)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Get going or set in motion
Example:
start up the computer
Synonyms:
start; start up
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Cause:
get going; go; start (begin or set in motion)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
jump; jump-start; jumpstart (start (a car engine whose battery is dead) by connecting it to another car's battery)
crank; crank up (start by cranking)
re-start; restart (start an engine again, for example)
hot-wire (start (a car engine) without a key by bypassing the ignition interlock)
kick-start (start (a motorcycle) by means of a kick starter)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Antonym:
stop (cause to stop)
Sense 7
Meaning:
Begin or set in motion
Example:
Ready, set, go!
Synonyms:
get going; go; start
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
come on; come up; go on (start running, functioning, or operating)
get off the ground; take off (get started or set in motion, used figuratively)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Antonym:
stop (come to a halt, stop moving)
Sense 8
Meaning:
Move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
Example:
She startled when I walked into the room
Synonyms:
jump; start; startle
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
move (move so as to change position, perform a nontranslational motion)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
shy (start suddenly, as from fright)
boggle (startle with amazement or fear)
rear back (start with anger or resentment or in protest)
jackrabbit (go forward or start with a fast, sudden movement)
Sentence frames:
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
start (a sudden involuntary movement)
Sense 9
Meaning:
Leave
Example:
The family took off for Florida
Synonyms:
depart; part; set forth; set off; set out; start; start out; take off
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
go away; go forth; leave (go away from a place)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
sally forth; sally out (set out in a sudden, energetic or violent manner)
blaze; blaze out (move rapidly and as if blazing)
roar off (leave)
lift off; take off (depart from the ground)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s PP
Sentence example:
These cars won't start
Sense 10
Meaning:
Bulge outward
Example:
His eyes popped
Synonyms:
bug out; bulge; bulge out; come out; pop; pop out; protrude; start
Classified under:
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
change form; change shape; deform (assume a different shape or form)
Sentence frame:
Something ----s
Sense 11
Meaning:
Begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job
Example:
start a new job
Synonyms:
start; take up
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
take office (assume an office, duty, or title)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
Sense 12
Meaning:
Begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object
Example:
We started physics in 10th grade
Synonyms:
begin; start
Classified under:
Verbs of political and social activities and events
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
act; move (perform an action, or work out or perform (an action))
Verb group:
begin; start (have a beginning characterized in some specified way)
Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
Sense 13
Meaning:
Have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense
Example:
Prices for these homes start at $250,000
Synonyms:
begin; start
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Verb group:
begin; start (have a beginning characterized in some specified way)
begin (have a beginning, of a temporal event)
Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "start"):
break out; erupt (start abruptly)
bud (start to grow or develop)
break out (begin suddenly and sometimes violently)
kick in; set in (enter a particular state)
dawn (appear or develop)
originate (begin a trip at a certain point, as of a plane, train, bus, etc.)
Sentence frames:
Something ----s
Something is ----ing PP
Something ----s something
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
start (the time at which something is supposed to begin)
Sense 14
Meaning:
Have a beginning characterized in some specified way
Example:
The semester begins with a convocation ceremony
Synonyms:
begin; start
Classified under:
Verbs of being, having, spatial relations
Hypernyms (to "start" is one way to...):
be (have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun))
Verb group:
begin; start (begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct object)
begin; start (have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense)
begin (be the first item or point, constitute the beginning or start, come first in a series)
Sentence frame:
Something is ----ing PP
Derivation:
start (the act of starting something)
start (the beginning of anything)
Context examples:
"Come away, Massas, come away!" he cried, his eyes starting from his head.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
Changes and symptoms can start several years earlier.
(Menopause, Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health)
The medical history dataset includes the subject's prior history at the start of the trial.
(Medical History Domain, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)
A starting point to which things may be compared.
(Baseline, NCI Thesaurus)
The age of a person at the start of a specific event.
(Age Started, NCI Thesaurus)
To cause something to start or to stimulate activity.
(Activation, NCI Thesaurus)
The number of asteroid impacts to the Moon and Earth increased by two to three times starting around 290 million years ago.
(Moon Data Sheds Light on Earth’s Asteroid Impact History, NASA)
The time at which and adverse event starts.
(Adverse Event Start Time, NCI Thesaurus)
The calendar date on which an adverse event starts.
(Adverse Event Start Date, NCI Thesaurus)
The wind died down in the afternoon, and we were prepared to start the following morning.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
