start
start · verb
Definitions
verb
- 1.
(verb) To begin or set in motion.
- 2.
(verb) To cause to begin functioning.
- 3.
(verb) To make a sudden involuntary movement from surprise or alarm.
- 4.
(noun) The point at which something begins.
- 5.
(noun) An advantage at the beginning of a race or competition.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English styrtan ("to leap, jump up"), from Proto-Germanic sturtijaną ("to overturn, startle"). The original meaning related to sudden movement; the sense of "to begin" developed in Middle English from the idea of making a sudden movement to begin an action.