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initiation

noun ini·ti·a·tion \ i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən \
|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018
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

See initiation defined for English-language learners

See initiation defined for kids

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

  1. his initiation as a member of the club

  2. crimes committed as part of gang initiations

  3. the initiation of judicial proceedings

Recent Examples of initiation from the Web

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.

First Known Use of initiation

1583

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
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initiation Synonyms

Synonyms

baptism, inaugural, inauguration, induction, installation, installment (also instalment), investiture, investment;

Near Antonyms

discharge, removal;

Related Words

enlistment, enrollment (also enrolment);

promotion;

Phrases Related to INITIATION

Related Phrases

INITIATION Defined for English Language Learners

initiation

noun

  • : the process of being formally accepted as a member of a group or organization : the process of being initiated

  • : a ceremony or series of actions that makes a person a member of a group or organization

  • : the act of starting something : the beginning of something

INITIATION Defined for Kids

initiation

noun ini·ti·a·tion \ i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən \
1 : the act or an instance of initiating : the process of being initiated
  • the initiation of treatment
  • initiation into the club
2 : the ceremonies with which a person is admitted into a club

Learn More about initiation

  1. See words that rhyme with initiation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for initiation Spanish Central: Translation of initiation Nglish: Translation of initiation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of initiation for Arabic speakers

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