Main Entry: ¹ini·ti·ate

Pronunciation: \i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ini·ti·at·ed; ini·ti·at·ing

Etymology: Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium

Date: 1533

1 : to cause or facilitate the beginning of : set going <initiate a program of reform> <enzymes that initiate fermentation>
2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites
3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something : introduce

synonyms see begin

— ini·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun