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initialize

[ ih-nish-uh-lahyz ]
/ ɪˈnɪʃ əˌlaɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR initialize ON THESAURUS.COM

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

Words nearby initialize

iniquitous, iniquity, init., initial, initialism, initialize, initial rhyme, Initial Teaching Alphabet, initiate, initiating agent, initiation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to initialize

load, log in, compute, program, run, digitize, computerize, input, boot, boot up, keyboard, crunch numbers, key in, log out

Example sentences from the Web for initialize

  • 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