initiation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a formal entry into an organization or position or office
    induction; installation.
    • his initiation into the club
    • he was ordered to report for induction into the army
    • he gave a speech as part of his installation into the hall of fame
  2. noun the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new
    foundation; instauration; founding; introduction; origination; creation; innovation; institution.
    • she looked forward to her initiation as an adult
    • the foundation of a new scientific society
  3. noun wisdom as evidenced by the possession of knowledge
    knowledgeableness; knowledgeability.
    • his knowledgeability impressed me
    • his dullness was due to lack of initiation
  4. noun an act that sets in motion some course of events
    trigger; induction.

WordNet

In*i`ti*a"tion noun
Etymology
L. initiatio: cf. F. initiation.
Definitions
  1. The act of initiating, or the process of being initiated or introduced; as, initiation into a society, into business, literature, etc. "The initiation of coursers of events." Pope.
  2. The form or ceremony by which a person is introduced into any society; mode of entrance into an organized body; especially, the rite of admission into a secret society or order.
    Silence is the first thing that is taught us at our initiation into sacred mysteries. Broome.

Webster 1913