induct

American  

[in-duhkt] / ɪnˈdʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to install in an office, benefice, position, etc., especially with formal ceremonies.

   The committee inducted her as president.

2. to introduce, especially to something requiring special knowledge or experience; initiate (usually followed by to orinto ).

   They inducted him into the mystic rites of the order.

3. to take (a draftee) into military service; draft.

4. to bring in as a member.

   to induct a person into a new profession.

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induct British  

/ ɪnˈdʌkt /

verb

1. to bring in formally or install in an office, place, etc; invest

2. to initiate in knowledge (of)

3. to enlist for military service; conscript

4. physics another word for induce induce

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Other Word Forms

• reinduct verb (used with object)
• uninducted adjective

Etymology

Origin of induct

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin inductus, past participle of indūcere, equivalent to induc- “to introduce, lead in” + -tus past participle suffix; induce

Explanation

Induct is what groups do when they formally accept new members, like the honor societies that, every school year, induct students who meet the qualifications. When you induct someone into a group, you formally welcome him or her as a member. The word is typically used to describe official acceptance of a position or admittance into an organization, such as a professional society. It can also be used to describe someone who has formally enrolled in the military. Don't use it for informal joining, though — you wouldn't induct a new friend or be inducted at the gym where you have just started a membership.

Example Sentences

I stand by all of this—until the unlikely event someone wants to induct me into a Hall of Fame, in which case I think it’s a fabulous idea, thank you.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

In the end, both Oasis and Carey were overlooked last year - with voters choosing to induct Cher, Mary J Blige, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest instead.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025

Following Browne’s spirited rendition of his 1977 hit “Running on Empty,” Springsteen took the stage to induct Mellencamp into the American Music Honors.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2024

Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that the team would waive the four-year waiting period and induct Brady into the franchise hall of fame next summer.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 10, 2023

Papa talked him out of volunteering; Woody waited for the army to induct him.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

Related Words

• conscript
• enlist
• inaugurate
• recruit
• swear in