initiate

[ verb ih-nish-ee-eyt; adjective, noun ih-nish-ee-it, -eyt ]

/ verb ɪˈnɪʃ iˌeɪt; adjective, noun ɪˈnɪʃ i ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR initiate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), in·i·ti·at·ed, in·i·ti·at·ing.

to begin, set going, or originate: to initiate major social reforms.

to introduce into the knowledge of some art or subject.

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

to propose (a measure) by initiative procedure: to initiate a constitutional amendment.

adjective

initiated; begun.

admitted into an organizaton or group, secret knowledge, etc.

introduced to the knowledge of a subject.

noun

a person who has been initiated.

Nearby words

initial code, initial rhyme, initial teaching alphabet, initialism, initialize, initiate, initiating agent, initiation, initiation factor, initiative, initiator

Origin of initiate

1595–1605; < Latin initiātus past participle of initiāre, equivalent to initi(um) (see initial) + -ātus -ate¹

SYNONYMS FOR initiate

1 commence; introduce, inaugurate, open.

2 teach, instruct, indoctrinate, train.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR initiate ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR initiate

1 conclude.

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Related forms

in·i·ti·a·tor, nounnon·in·i·ti·ate, nounpre·in·i·ti·ate, verb (used with object), pre·in·i·ti·at·ed, pre·in·i·ti·at·ing.pre·in·i·ti·ate, noun

qua·si-in·i·ti·at·ed, adjectivere·in·i·ti·ate, verb (used with object), re·in·i·ti·at·ed, re·in·i·ti·at·ing.un·in·i·ti·ate, adjectiveun·in·i·ti·at·ed, adjectivewell-in·i·ti·at·ed, adjective

Synonym study

1. See begin.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for initiate

The feminist movement has encouraged women that they can initiate romantic relationships, too.
Random Hook-Ups or Dry Spells: Why Millennials Flunk College Dating|Ellie Schaack|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“Tesla will not initiate patent lawsuits against anyone who, in good faith, wants to use our technology,” he wrote.
Tesla’s Radical Patent Move is a Plot to Take Over the Road|Daniel Gross|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Men need to step up and have this discussion, and not rely on women to initiate and lead it.
#YesAllWomen Should Have the Church On Their Side|Gene Robinson|June 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Initiate a dialogue about how we are all kind of like little people, if you think about it, at least compared to the One Percent.
How to Celebrate 4/20 Without Actually Smoking Weed|Kelly Williams Brown|April 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

They can initiate ideas and catalyze a certain form, but the trick is not to begin, but to sustain.
Chang-rae Lee: How I Write|Noah Charney|January 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some of Darwin's adherents endeavoured to initiate what they called a scientific philosophy, attempting to prove more than he did.
Lafcadio Hearn|Nina H. Kennard
They hold meetings in the thickets, and in every secret place, to initiate members.
The American Indian as Slaveholder and Seccessionist|Annie Heloise Abel
From this point they might, at some future day, initiate an offensive against Bulgaria which might become extremely dangerous.
The Story of the Great War, Volume VI (of VIII)|Various
These were standing at their father's elbow, who was studiously endeavouring to initiate them in the early mysteries of grammar.
Framley Parsonage|Anthony Trollope
Three influential writers, who appeared at this stage and helped to initiate a new period of research, may specially be mentioned.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel

British Dictionary definitions for initiate

initiate

verb (ɪˈnɪʃɪˌeɪt) (tr)

to begin or originate

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

to teach fundamentals toshe initiated him into the ballet

adjective (ɪˈnɪʃɪɪt, -ˌeɪt)

initiated; begun

noun (ɪˈnɪʃɪɪt, -ˌeɪt)

a person who has been initiated, esp recently

a beginner; novice

Word Origin for initiate

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

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