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 brand announced that it has “initiated a voluntary recall of select lots of Hostess®Ding Dongs® products due to the potential for the presence of mold,” per an online statement made on its website.

From Salon

One study by the V-Dem Institute of Sweden's University of Gothenberg found that for many years, Taiwan has been the most targeted place in the world for disinformation campaigns initiated by a foreign government.

From BBC

Ohtani initiated a high-five with his tormentor, who playfully bowed in deference.

From Los Angeles Times

Kim, who wanted to reunify the two Koreas, rallied his countrymen by claiming that the South had initiated the 1950 attack.

From BBC

"We want to assure everyone that we have fully addressed the issues raised and strictly complied with the investigation initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry," Jollibee said in a statement late on Wednesday.

From BBC

Related Words

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