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

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

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

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Initiate

Singular:

initiate

Plural:

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

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

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