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

• baptism
• inaugural
• inauguration
• induction
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investiture
• investment

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

For the Himalayan monks of the early teen centuries, the ideal setting for initiation was a charnel ground, where people left their dead to be eaten by wild animals. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025

By this logic, reducing the time spent on task initiation can increase your overall productivity, with more time spent on actual work rather than task transitioning. —Daniel Wendt, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Effect: Reduces migraine frequency and severity by preventing the initiation and amplification of pain signaling. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 16 Dec. 2024

The company recognized $35.0 million in license and collaboration revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, related to a milestone payment from GSK for the initiation of a Phase 3 trial. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

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