n.
Pronunciation: i- ' ni-sh ē - ˌ ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -at · ed ; -at · ing
Etymology: Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium
Date: 1533
1 : to cause or facilitate the beginning of : set going < initiate a program of reform> <enzymes that initiate fermentation>
2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites
3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something : INTRODUCE
synonyms see BEGIN
– ini · ti · a · tor \ - ˌ ā -t ə r \ noun