Entry Word: initiate

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of <no one knows who initiated written language> — see found
2 to impart knowledge of a new thing or situation to <initiated the new recruits in the unspoken laws of military conduct> — see acquaint 1
3 to put into an office or welcome into an organization with special ceremonies <initiated her as Surgeon General before an army of reporters and photographers> — see install 1