initiator
Britishnoun
-
a person or thing that initiates
-
chem a substance that starts a chain reaction
-
chem an explosive used in detonators
Other Word Forms
Explanation
The initiator is the one who starts it, whatever it is. The guy who shouts "Let's get this party started!" is the initiator. An initiator is an instigator, the one who begins something. Initiator comes from the Latin initiare, meaning “beginning.” The spark that lights the fuse is the initiator of the bomb’s explosion. John F. Kennedy was the initiator of the US Peace Corps. Hockey players are expert initiators of fights that, if happening on the street, would often result in the arrests of the participants.
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.
He was an initiator of "Inked Without Regret", a 2020 declaration seen by the court as evidence of the subversive intentions of its signatories.
From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026
"It is something that we first suggested nearly 15 years ago, and now we have the numerical framework to demonstrate it," says Ravit Helled, Professor at the University of Zurich and initiator of the project.
From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025
Ms Rowbotham said Carriera "became integral in popularising the use of pastels and as an initiator of the Rococo style and is remembered as one of the most successful female artists of any era".
From BBC • Sep. 27, 2023
Used often as a spot-up shooter in bench lineups when John Wall is the primary initiator of the offense, Powell has made only 21% of his corner three-pointers.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2022
The State Council, in effect, is a collective executive body that, because the National Assembly meets so infrequently, also becomes a major initiator of legislation.
From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
