measure word, verb · classifier for occurrences or unpredictable events such as accidents or legal cases

这是一起严重的交通事故。

verb, noun, adjective, punctuation, particle, adverb, directional, modal particle · a verb suffix indicating the start of an action or an upward movement

大家都笑了起来。

verb, expression, punctuation · to appear, emerge, or begin to happen

海上起了大风。

directional, verb · starting from a specific time, place, or price

从明天起，我们要实行新规。

verb, punctuation, modal particle · to rise, raise, or get up from a sitting or lying position

为了赶早班机，他今天起得非常早。

verb, adverb · to set out, start, launch, or initiate an action

虽然困难重重，但我们的计划还是起步了。

verb · to bestow or give a name to someone or something

父母会给他们的孩子起名字。

verb · to draft a document or establish something

他打算在动笔写书前，先起一个大纲。

verb · to exert, play, or perform a specific function or role, often used in the construction 起作用 qǐ​zuò​yòng

他在团队中起到了领导作用。

numeral, measure word · classifier for groups or batches of people or items

这些学生分两起出发。

verb · to get or take out from a depot, counter, or storage

他去码头起货。