Definition Definition

initiate - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'initiate' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Initiate [ a.]
- Unpracticed; untried; new.
- Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
2 . Initiate [ n.]
- One who is, or is to be, initiated.
3 . Initiate [ v. i.]
- To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.
4 . Initiate [ v. t.]
- To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon.
- To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
- To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.

Meaning of 'initiate' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . initiate [ n]
Meaning (1):
- people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity
Example in sentence:
  • it is very familiar to the initiate
2 . initiate [ v]
Meaning (2):
- accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
Example in sentence:
  • African men are initiated when they reach puberty
Meaning (3):
- bring into being
Example in sentence:
  • He initiated a new program;
  • Start a foundation
Meaning (4):
- set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
Example in sentence:
  • Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II
Meaning (5):
- take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
Example in sentence:
  • This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants