initiate
verb (used with object)
to begin, set going, or originate.
was initiating
-
past progressiveof initiate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thus the plan: The U.S. was initiating a “strict quarantine” on military equipment being shipped to Cuba.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
The Toulouse prosecutor's office told AFP their financial crime division was initiating an investigation into "the conditions surrounding the creation and execution of the contract concluded between Toulouse and the company Pacific Heart."
From Barron's ● Nov. 24, 2025
The department also said it was initiating an investigation to determine “whether processes and procedures were followed.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2025
Conley had the offense running crisply and craftily whenever he was initiating.
From Seattle Times ● May 24, 2024
They were interrupted by a commotion at the other end of the room; a group of young people were trying to learn a new game, and Mr. Sylvanus Todd was initiating them into its mysteries.
From Duncan Polite The Watchman of Glenoro by Mary Esther Miller MacGregor
