initiate

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verb ini·ti·ate \i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt\

Definition of initiate

initiated

;

initiating

transitive verb
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

initiator

play \i-ˈni-shē-ˌā-tər\ noun

See initiate defined for English-language learners

See initiate defined for kids

Examples of initiate in a Sentence

Doctors have initiated a series of tests to determine the cause of the problem.
The company initiated judicial proceedings against them.
The new recruits will be initiated tomorrow night.
He was initiated into a secret society.

Origin and Etymology of initiate

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

First Known Use: 1533

Synonym Discussion of initiate

begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable. begin, opposed to end, is the most general. begin a trip began dancing start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. the work started slowly commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start . commence firing commenced a conversation initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue. initiated diplomatic contacts inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance. the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate . ushered in a period of economic decline

initiate

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adjective ini·tiate \i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət\

Definition of initiate

1a : initiated or properly admitted (as to membership or an office)b : instructed in some secret knowledge
2 obsolete : relating to an initiate

1537

First Known Use of initiate

1537

initiate

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noun ini·tiate \i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət\

Definition of initiate

1 : a person who is undergoing or has undergone an initiation
2 : a person who is instructed or adept in some special field

See initiate defined for English-language learners

Examples of initiate in a Sentence

These secrets are known only to a small group of initiates.

1811

First Known Use of initiate

1811

INITIATE Defined for English Language Learners

initiate

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verb ini·ti·ate \i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt\

Definition of initiate for English Language Learners

: to cause the beginning of (something) : to start or begin (something)
: to formally accept (someone) as a member of a group or organization usually in a special ceremony
: to teach (someone) the basic facts or ideas about something

initiate

play

noun ini·tiate \i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət\

Definition of initiate for English Language Learners

: a person who is being formally accepted or who has been formally accepted as a member of a group or organization

INITIATE Defined for Kids

initiate

play

verb ini·ti·ate \i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt\

Definition of initiate for Students

initiated

;

initiating

1 : to set going : begin Scientists initiated an experiment.
2 : to admit into a club by special ceremonies
3 : to teach (someone) the basic facts about something She was initiated into the management of money.