Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

push-start

verb

ˈpʊʃ ˌstɑrt

Definition

To start a vehicle, usually one that has a manual transmission, by pushing it to gain the necessary momentum for the engine to start.

Examples

We had to push-start the old car when the battery died.
It’s a skill every driver should know in case of emergencies, like needing to push-start a friend’s car.

Meaning

The term ‘push-start’ refers to the method of starting a car engine by pushing the vehicle forward until it reaches a speed that allows the engine to ignite when the driver engages the ignition while in gear.