initiate

[ verb ih-nish-ee-eyt; adjective noun ih-nish-ee-it, -eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·i·ti·at·ed, in·i·ti·at·ing.

1. to begin, set going, or originate:

   to initiate major social reforms.

   Synonyms: open, inaugurate, introduce, commence

   Antonyms: conclude

2. to introduce into the knowledge of some art or subject.

   Synonyms: train, indoctrinate, instruct, teach

3. to admit or accept with formal rites into an organization or group, secret knowledge, adult society, etc.
4. Government. to propose (a measure) by initiative procedure:

   to initiate a constitutional amendment.

adjective

1. admitted into an organization or group, secret knowledge, etc.
2. introduced to the knowledge of a subject.
3. initiated; begun:

   the recently initiate measures.

noun

1. a person who has been initiated.

initiate

verb

1. to begin or originate
2. to accept (new members) into an organization such as a club, through often secret ceremonies
3. to teach fundamentals to

   she initiated him into the ballet

adjective

1. initiated; begun

noun

1. a person who has been initiated, esp recently
2. a beginner; novice

Other Words From

• in·i·ti·a·tor noun
• non·in·i·ti·ate noun
• pre·in·i·ti·ate verb (used with object) preinitiated preinitiating
• pre·in·i·ti·ate noun
• re·in·i·ti·ate verb (used with object) reinitiated reinitiating
• un·in·i·ti·ate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiate¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin initiātus, past participle of initiāre “to ritually initiate, admit,” equivalent to initi(um) “beginning” + -ātus past participle suffix; initial, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiate¹

C17: from Latin initiāre (vb), from initium; see initial

Synonym Study

See begin.

Example Sentences

However, if the body fails to detect these changes or to initiate repair, the mutations could accumulate and over time lead to cancer.

From Science Daily

"We found these particular transcription initiating sites in nodules, but not in the roots or any other tissues, suggesting they are for tissue-specific transcription and associated with nodule-specific function," said Ma.

From Science Daily

It's clear that the tag team of Stephen Miller and Tom Homan are prepared to initiate Trump's mass deportation program immediately upon taking office.

From Salon

This collaborative study initiated by the University of Surrey identifies previously hidden mechanisms that contribute to both efficiency and stability losses and addresses these challenges, helping the scientific community to advance this technology.

From Science Daily

For example, when the medulla is active, it initiates breathing.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• begin
• commence
• inaugurate
• institute
• launch
• open
• set up
• take up
• trigger