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

This action could initiate bond rallies and intense equity gains — but also leave the Fed open to criticism for doing something that wasn’t supported by evidence.

Read more on MarketWatch

In the summer of 2020, Angela Paxton texted Loper: “Please keep me informed of any financial actions initiated by Ken and don’t assume I am aware even if he tells you I consent.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

James’s legal team has already signaled that it will seek to have the case dismissed on the grounds that the Justice Department initiated the prosecution for impermissible political reasons.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“All my life,” he complains, “I seemed repeatedly to have been nudged to the side of things, even things that I had myself initiated.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Citi upgraded the stock to Buy and Well Fargo initiated coverage with a Buy rating, both citing expectations for higher copper prices.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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