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

The feminist movement has encouraged women that they can initiate romantic relationships, too.

From The Daily Beast

“Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology,” he wrote.

From The Daily Beast

Men need to step up and have this discussion, and not rely on women to initiate and lead it.

From The Daily Beast

Initiate a dialogue about how we are all kind of like little people, if you think about it, at least compared to the One Percent.

From The Daily Beast

They can initiate ideas and catalyze a certain form, but the trick is not to begin, but to sustain.

From The Daily Beast

The ant individual preserves its powers of observation and thought and may initiate new processes.

From Project Gutenberg

In order that you may make no mistake, we feel obliged to initiate you into the most important secrets of the Reformation.

From Project Gutenberg

The very savages in Australia initiate their children better than the English do to-day.

From Project Gutenberg

The Senate, however, cannot initiate a treaty, the President alone can do that.

From Project Gutenberg

So far, then, nothing was said to the initiate in contradiction to the broad tenets of orthodox Islamism.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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