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initialize

[ ih-nish-uh-lahyz ]
/ ɪˈnɪʃ əˌlaɪz /
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verb (used with object), in·i·tial·ized, in·i·tial·iz·ing.Computers.
to set (variables, counters, switches, etc.) to their starting values at the beginning of a program or subprogram.
to clear (internal memory, a disk, etc.) of previous data in preparation for use.
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Also especially British, in·i·tial·ise .

Origin of initialize

First recorded in 1955–60; initial + -ize
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use initialize in a sentence

  • If voters want to change their selections before they send in their ballot, they must initialize the change.

    Hurt Locker Blows Up|Nicole LaPorte|March 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for initialize

initialize

initialise

/ (ɪˈnɪʃəˌlaɪz) /

verb
(tr) to assign an initial value to (a variable or storage location) in a computer program

Derived forms of initialize

initialization or initialisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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