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 of initiation

• inauguration
• inaugural

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

While announcing the latest initiation deaths in December, South Africa’s Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said some of the unproven advice often given to participants is to avoid drinking water in order to heal faster. —Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

For families in South Africa, a successful initiation concludes with the participants' return. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026

Sarhan said his company also is selling club memberships to the public for about $590 a month, plus an initiation fee. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

Barclays initiates Nova Limited as overweight Barclays said in its initiation of Nova Limited that the semiconductor company is well positioned. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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