1. noun Literally, a metal bar on a motorcycle that one kicks down with one's foot in order to start the engine. Also called a "kick-starter." Jake hit the kick-start and peeled out of town on his motorcycle.

2. noun An action or event that serves to start, reinvigorate, or reactivate some activity, system, or process. Our productivity is beginning to slump. We need to come up with some kind of a kick-start for our employees.

3. verb Literally, to start a motorcycle by kicking down on a metal bar that activates the engine. Please don't kick-start your bike until I'm firmly on the seat behind you!

4. verb By extension, to start, reinvigorate, or reactivate some activity, system, or process. Politicians are hoping that the new stimulus package will help kick-start the economy.