initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of initiating

b

: the process of being initiated

c

: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status

2

: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms

• inauguration
• inaugural
• induction

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club

crimes committed as part of gang initiations

the initiation of judicial proceedings

Recent Examples on the Web

My own research suggests that pre-bunking can be used effectively to delay the initiation of tobacco use among adolescents. —Shaon Lahiri, The Conversation, 7 July 2025

Along with Trump’s initiation of direct talks with Iran—a step that Israel adamantly opposes but Arab leaders in the Persian Gulf welcomed and even helped facilitate—these developments suggest how much the regional balance of power has changed since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. —Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025

Individual membership is $3,000, plus a one-time initiation fee of $1,000, according to the restaurant. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025

According to the announcement, individual memberships are priced at $3,000, with a one-time initiation fee of $1,000. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Rhymes for initiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction

2

: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society