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

The complaint alleges freshmen endured forced genital shaving, excessive drinking and being made to eat live fish as part of team initiation. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

What led up to the lawsuit As the lawsuit explains, some former teammates talked among themselves in 2024 with memories of the hazing, and one of them started researching the history of the initiation practices. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Memberships are available from $195-$285 per month with a $1,000 initiation fee. — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026

Jefferies initiates Materion as buy Jefferies said in its initiation of Materion that the chemicals company has robust demand. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Rhymes for initiation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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