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

Control of the House gives a party the power to initiate spending legislation and launch impeachment proceedings against officials.

From BBC

Squid Game’s Hwang hopes his candor over his own pay struggles will initiate that change.

From BBC

I am not someone with Bonnie and Clyde syndrome, and I have never initiated anything with a known ex-con.

From Los Angeles Times

Gates issued the policy known as Special Order 40, which prohibited officers from initiating contact with anyone for the sole purpose of learning their immigration status.

From Los Angeles Times

"We were just about to initiate the work and unfortunately the changes to National Insurance in particular just tipped that balance so those stores will now not be opening."

From BBC

Related Words

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