Initiate Definition

ĭ-nĭshē-āt
initiated, initiates, initiating
verb
initiated, initiates, initiating
To bring into practice or use; introduce by first doing or using; start.
To initiate a new course of studies.
Webster's New World
To set going by taking the first step; begin.
Initiated trade with developing nations.
American Heritage
To introduce to a new field, interest, skill, or activity.
Initiated the students into the world of opera.
American Heritage
To teach the fundamentals of some subject to; help to begin doing something.
To initiate someone into the game of chess.
Webster's New World
To admit as a member into a fraternity, club, etc., as with customary practices or ceremonies.
Webster's New World
adjective
Initiated or admitted, as to membership or a position of authority.
American Heritage
Initiated.
Webster's New World
Introduced to something new, such as a new field of knowledge.
American Heritage
Just begun.
Webster's New World
(obsolete) Unpractised; untried; new.
Wiktionary
noun
initiates
A person who has recently been, or is about to be, initiated.
Webster's New World
One who has been introduced to or has attained some knowledge in a particular field.
American Heritage
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Initiate

Noun

Singular:
initiate
Plural:
initiates

Origin of Initiate

  • From Late Latin initiātus, perfect passive participle of initiō (“begin, originate”), from initium (“a beginning”), from ineō (“go in, enter upon, begin”), from in + (“go”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Latin initiāre initiāt- from initium beginning ei- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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