I. ini·ti·ate i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt transitive verb
( -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 -ˌā-tər noun
II. ini·tiate i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət adjective
Date: 1537
1.
a. : initiated or properly admitted (as to membership or an office)
b. : instructed in some secret knowledge
2. obsolete : relating to an initiate
III. ini·tiate i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət noun
Date: 1811
1. : a person who is undergoing or has undergone an initiation
2. : a person who is instructed or adept in some special field