initiation

noun

ini·ti·a·tion | \i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən

Definition of initiation

1a : 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

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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

In hindsight, all direct interaction with my folks was always at our initiation. — Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Uncle wonders why family members are ghosting him," 14 May 2018 In hindsight, all direct interaction with my folks was always at our initiation. — Amy Dickinson, BostonGlobe.com, "Uncle wonders why family members are ghosting him," 13 May 2018 Who gets to decide whether an initiation rite is barbaric or an exemplary form of bonding? — Julia M. Klein, Philly.com, "'Human Rites' at InterAct Theatre: Invigorating, crackling, provocative," 29 Mar. 2018 Her initiation to halfpipe included trampoline-jumping with a snowboard strapped on. — Washington Post, "China stumbling on path to Olympic glory at 2022 home games," 23 Feb. 2018 The annual Platinum Card charges $550 in annual fees; the invitation-only Centurion Card charges members $2,500 a year, plus an up-front initiation fee. — Mary Forgione, latimes.com, "American Express to open premium airport lounge at LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal," 12 June 2018 Monthly memberships start at $69 for individuals with a $49 initiation fee, which is waived for the military, students and teachers. — Rye Druzin, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio joins other Texas cities with its own standalone bouldering gym," 11 July 2018 LAST year stories appeared in the press, illustrated by pictures of bloody clothing, of an initiation ceremony at Alliance High School outside Nairobi, in which boys were beaten and made to lie on the founders’ graves. — The Economist, "Elite private schools are booming in Kenya," 21 June 2018 Mass initiation ceremonies were common in Klan strongholds, including the Bay Area. — Charles Reichmann, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘The Second Coming of the KKK,’ by Linda Gordon," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'initiation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.