initiator

British  

/ ɪˈnɪʃɪˌeɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that initiates

2. chem a substance that starts a chain reaction

3. chem an explosive used in detonators

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Other Word Forms

• initiatress noun

Explanation

The initiator is the one who starts it, whatever it is. The guy who shouts "Let's get this party started!" is the initiator. An initiator is an instigator, the one who begins something. Initiator comes from the Latin initiare, meaning “beginning.” The spark that lights the fuse is the initiator of the bomb’s explosion. John F. Kennedy was the initiator of the US Peace Corps. Hockey players are expert initiators of fights that, if happening on the street, would often result in the arrests of the participants.

Example Sentences

He was an initiator of "Inked Without Regret", a 2020 declaration seen by the court as evidence of the subversive intentions of its signatories.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

"It is something that we first suggested nearly 15 years ago, and now we have the numerical framework to demonstrate it," says Ravit Helled, Professor at the University of Zurich and initiator of the project.

From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025

Ms Rowbotham said Carriera "became integral in popularising the use of pastels and as an initiator of the Rococo style and is remembered as one of the most successful female artists of any era".

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2023

Both Tauber and Polinger acknowledge that the new beginning would not be possible without Maggie Mackay, executive director of the Vidiots Foundation since 2016 and main initiator of the reopening plan.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2023

The public knows of him as the initiator and head of great organizations with heart in them, which were successfully managed on sound business principles.

From Herbert Hoover The Man and His Work by Kellogg, Vernon L. (Vernon Lyman)

Related Words

• architect
• author
• benefactor
• builder
• creator
• designer
• inventor
• organizer
• patron
• planner