to come into operation or existence

to begin functioning or moving

to begin an activity or undertaking

(+ from/at) said of prices, values, etc: to range from a specified amount

to be a participant at the start of a sporting contest

to move suddenly or violently, esp as a result of shock or surprise

said of the eyes: to protrude from their sockets

said of timbers, rivets, etc: to become loosened or forced out of place

to begin (to do something) or embark on (an activity)

to set (something or somebody) going or operating

to cause (machinery, etc) to begin operating

to give the signal for (a race) to begin or (the competitors) to set off

informal to conceive (a baby)

to flush (game) or cause (an animal) to leave a place of concealment

to cause (rivets or timbers) to become loosened or displaced

archaic to startle (somebody) or make them start

the beginning of a movement, activity, journey, etc

at the start of the project

a starting place, e.g. for a race

a lead or handicap conceded to a competitor at the start of a race or competition, or the amount of this

a 15-second start

an advantage or lead

His background gave him a good start in politics

a sudden involuntary bodily movement or reaction, e.g. from surprise or alarm