initiate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone new to a field or activity
    tyro; novice; beginner; tiro.
  2. noun someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
    savant; pundit; learned person.
  3. noun people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity
    enlightened.
    • it is very familiar to the initiate
  4. verb bring into being
    originate; start.
    • He initiated a new program
    • Start a foundation
  5. verb take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
    pioneer.
    • This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants
  6. verb accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
    induct.
    • African men are initiated when they reach puberty
  7. verb bring up a topic for discussion
    broach.
  8. verb set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
    lead up.
    • Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II

WordNet

In*i"ti*ate transitive verb
Etymology
L. initiatus, p. p. of initiare to begin, fr. initium beginning. See Initial.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Initiated ; present participle & verbal noun Initiating
Definitions
  1. To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon.
    How are changes of this sort to be initiated? I. Taylor.
  2. To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
    Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry. Dr. H. More.
    To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough. Locke.
  3. To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
    The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honor after death. Bp. Warburton.
    He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty. Spectator.
In*i"ti*ate intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. R. Pope.
In*i"ti*ate adjective
Etymology
L. initiatus, p. p.
Definitions
  1. Unpracticed; untried; new. Obs. "The initiate fear that wants hard use." Shak.
  2. Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
    To rise in science as in bliss, Initiate in the secrets of the skies. Young.
    Mozley & W.
In*i"ti*ate noun
Definitions
  1. One who is, or is to be, initiated.

Webster 1913