Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

start something

 - 2 dictionary results
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

    1. To play in the initial lineup of (a game).

    2. To put (a player) into the initial lineup of a game.

    3. 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 beginning; a commencement.

    2. The beginning of a new construction project: an application for a building start.

    3. A starting line for a race.

    4. A signal to begin a race.

    5. An instance of beginning a game or race: a pitcher who won his first five starts.

  1. A place or time of beginning.

  2. Sports

    1. A starting line for a race.

    2. A signal to begin a race.

    3. An instance of beginning a game or race: a pitcher who won his first five starts.

  3. A startled reaction or movement.

  4. A part that has become dislocated or loosened.

  5. A position of advantage over others, as in a race or an endeavor; a lead.

  6. An opportunity granted to pursue a career or course of action.


[Middle English sterten, to move or leap suddenly, from Old English *styrtan; see ster-1 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

start something

Cause trouble, especially a quarrel or fight, as in Stop bringing that updo you want to start something? [Colloquial; early 1900s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see start something on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: