initialize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to set (variables, counters, switches, etc.) to their starting values at the beginning of a program or subprogram.
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to clear (internal memory, a disk, etc.) of previous data in preparation for use.
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has initializedperfect 3rd person singular
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have initializedperfect
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is initializingprogressive 3rd person singular
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has been initializingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been initializingperfect progressive
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initializessingular 3rd person
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am initializingprogressive 1st person singular
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are initializingprogressive
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initializingparticiple
Past
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had initializedperfect
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had been initializingperfect progressive
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was initializingprogressive singular
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were initializingprogressive plural
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initializedsimple
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initializedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of initialize
Vocabulary lists containing initialize
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 pangrams from yesterday’s Spelling Bee were initialize and tantalize.
From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2022
Do not initialize your NAS, as this will erase your data.
From The Verge • Feb. 22, 2022
Researchers think they can sidestep that problem if they can initialize all the qubits in their computer in particular “magic states” that, more or less, do half the work of the problematic gates.
From Science Magazine • Jul. 9, 2020
The navigation system seemed to take forever to initialize when I started the vehicle.
From Forbes • Nov. 19, 2012
You can initialize a Linux partition, or alternately you can mount a previously initialized one.
From Debian GNU/Linux : Guide to Installation and Usage by Goerzen, John
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.
