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

In 2018, for example, Lucas Pablo was convicted of assault for allegedly attacking an M2 Norteño member with a baseball bat during an gang initiation, records show. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025

Following this stage, a general project plan will be developed which will lead to the initiation of a special process to select a concessionaire for each terminal. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025

Rather than nagging or framing missteps as failures, create initiation rituals that cue the brain to shift into work mode. —Ana Homayoun, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025

Thanks to an extended sidecut that makes for quick, responsive turn initiation, this ski shines when carving up groomers. —Marina Knight, Outside, 17 Oct. 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