initiate
verb (used with object)
to begin, set going, or originate.
had initiated
-
past perfectof initiate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said it had initiated an internal investigation after CBS Los Angeles spotted a deputy on his phone, seemingly scrolling on a dating app, during a standoff Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2026
The government said the regulator had launched 81 criminal probes since last July's election after hiring 400 more staff for the purpose and that it had initiated proceedings against seven companies.
From BBC ● May 20, 2025
A veteran investigator of nearly 30 years, Tucker was fired from the DA’s office in December 2020 over allegations he had initiated a unilateral investigation into Spitzer shortly after he took office.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2025
She added that by the time Khalife had initiated a relationship with Iran, he had been vetted and cleared and thereby had access to a "sea of sensitive material".
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2025
Someone had initiated her long ago; some mysterious shadowshaper had brought her into the fold, even against the wishes of her own grandfather.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
