initiate
verb (used with object)
to begin, set going, or originate.
initiating
-
present participleof initiate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Twelve hours later, a landslide from the adjacent mountain unexpectedly collapsed into the fjord, initiating the second-highest tsunami in recorded history.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026
The Legislature extended cap-and-invest’s life to 2045 last year, and the state is now initiating the process of linking its market with Washington state.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
Pfizer is initiating 20 Phase 3 studies this year, he said, double last year’s.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
The judge ordered the companies to "refrain from initiating, pursuing, carrying out or having carried out any material actions" that would involve drilling, installing infrastructure or extracting hydrocarbons, according to a ruling seen by AFP.
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
“I mean, I can do a lotta stuff. But initiating someone as a shadowshaper, that’s like...that’s on the heavy-duty elder tip. I’m just not there yet.”
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
