initiate

[ih-nish-ee-eyt, ih-nish-ee-it, -eyt]

verb (used with object)

initiated, initiating 

1. to begin, set going, or originate.

   to initiate major social reforms.

   Synonyms: open, inaugurate, introduce, commence
   Antonyms: conclude

2. to introduce into the knowledge of some art or subject.

   Synonyms: train, indoctrinate, instruct, teach

3. to admit or accept with formal rites into an organization or group, secret knowledge, adult society, etc.

4. Government.,  to propose (a measure) by initiative procedure.

   to initiate a constitutional amendment.

adjective

1. admitted into an organization or group, secret knowledge, etc.

2. introduced to the knowledge of a subject.

3. initiated; begun.

   the recently initiate measures.

noun

1. a person who has been initiated.

initiate

verb

1. to begin or originate

2. to accept (new members) into an organization such as a club, through often secret ceremonies

3. to teach fundamentals to

   she initiated him into the ballet

adjective

1. initiated; begun

noun

1. a person who has been initiated, esp recently

2. a beginner; novice

Other Word Forms

• initiator noun
• noninitiate noun
• preinitiate noun
• reinitiate verb (used with object)
• uninitiate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiate¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin initiātus, past participle of initiāre “to ritually initiate, admit,” equivalent to initi(um) “beginning” + -ātus past participle suffix; initial, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of initiate¹

C17: from Latin initiāre (vb), from initium; see _initial

Synonym Study

See begin.

Example Sentences

"The forces entered the area, enclosed the structure in which the suspects were located, and initiated a surrender procedure that lasted several hours," the statement said.

Read more on BBC

The District Attorney who initiated the investigation was ordered to remove herself or her special assistant from the case.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“When a fire is initiated, it can ignite the bamboo scaffolding.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The resident had walked past his intended destination to initiate contact with the youths and did not appear to have been targeted, authorities said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We apologise for this technical error and have initiated an investigation into how this happened,” the OBR said in a statement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• begin 
• commence 
• inaugurate 
• institute 
• launch 
• open 
• set up 
• take up 
• trigger