inaugurate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb commence officially
    kick off.
  2. verb open ceremoniously or dedicate formally
  3. verb be a precursor of
    usher in; introduce.
    • The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in the post-Cold War period

WordNet

In*au"gu*rate adjective
Etymology
L. inauguratus, p. p. of inaugurare to take omens from the flight of birds (before entering upon any important undertaking); hence, to consecrate, inaugurate, or install, with such divination; pref. in- in + augurare, augurari, to augur. See Augur.
Definitions
  1. Invested with office; inaugurated. Drayton.
In*au"gu*rate transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Inaugurated ; present participle & verbal noun Inaugurating
Definitions
  1. To introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities; to invest with power or authority in a formal manner; to install; as, to inaugurate a president; to inaugurate a king. Milton.
  2. To cause to begin, esp. with formality or solemn ceremony; hence, to set in motion, action, or progress; to initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new methods, etc.
    As if kings did closes remarkable days to inaugurate their favors. Sir H. Wotton.
  3. To celebrate the completion of, or the first public use of; to dedicate, as a statue. Colloq.
  4. To begin with good omens. Obs. Sir H. Wotton.

Webster 1913