|
  • Search Results
  • Advanced Search
  • List Builder
  • Random Word

initiate

If you press the red button, you'll activate weapons of mass destruction and initiate a global war. As a verb, initiate means to start. As a noun, initiate (short "a") means to be part of a group.

Initiate is a tricky little devil because you pronounce the last bit one way as a verb (i-ni-she-ate) and another when it's a noun (i-in-she-at). If you're an initiate, you've been introduced to a field of study, an activity, etc. You can be a novice or a veteran. To initiate is to begin, pioneer, or broach a topic. You might say, "Let's initiate the swearing-in ceremony so our new initiates can join the Rule-Breakers' Club and still get home without missing their curfews."

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: initiate

1
 v
set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
2
 vn
accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite
someone new to a field or activity
FULL DEFINITIONS OF: initiate
1

v set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for

Synonyms:
lead up
Type of:
originate, start
bring into being

v take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of

Synonyms:
pioneer
Types:
show 22 types...
hide 22 types...
strike up
begin
innovate, introduce
bring something new to an environment
activate, actuate, set off, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip
put in motion or move to act
constitute, establish, found, institute, plant
set up or lay the groundwork for
arrange, stage
plan, organize, and carry out (an event)
mount
put up or launch
attempt, set about, undertake
enter upon an activity or enterprise
devise, get up, machinate, organise, organize, prepare
arrange by systematic planning and united effort
phase in
introduce gradually
open up, pioneer
open up an area or prepare a way
fix
set or place definitely
dogfight
arrange for an illegal dogfight
tee up
make detailed arrangements or preparations
phase
arrange in phases or stages
mount, put on
prepare and supply with the necessary equipment for execution or performance
lay
prepare or position for action or operation
set up
begin, or enable someone else to begin, a venture by providing the means, logistics, etc.
sandwich
make into a sandwich
spatchcock
prepare for eating if or as if a spatchcock
debut
present for the first time to the public
embattle
prepare for battle or conflict
appoint, constitute, name, nominate
create and charge with a task or function
Type of:
cause, do, make
give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

v bring into being

“He initiated a new program”
Synonyms:
originate, start
Types:
show 4 types...
hide 4 types...
lead up
set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
set
apply or start
date back, date from, go back
belong to an earlier time
ascend
go back in order of genealogical succession
Type of:
create, make
make or cause to be or to become

v bring up a topic for discussion

Synonyms:
broach
Types:
address, cover, deal, handle, plow, treat
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
theologise, theologize
treat from a theological viewpoint or render theological in character
discourse, discuss, talk about
to consider or examine in speech or writing
Type of:
discuss, hash out, talk over
speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion
2

v accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite

“African men are initiated when they reach puberty”
Synonyms:
induct
Type of:
admit, include, let in
allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of

n someone new to a field or activity

Synonyms:
beginner, novice, tiro, tyro
Types:
show 10 types...
hide 10 types...
abecedarian
a novice learning the rudiments of some subject
apprentice, learner, prentice
works for an expert to learn a trade
cub, greenhorn, rookie
an awkward and inexperienced youth
landlubber, landsman, lubber
an inexperienced sailor; a sailor on the first voyage
entrant, fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, starter
any new participant in some activity
tenderfoot
an inexperienced person (especially someone inexperienced in outdoor living)
trainee
someone who is being trained
cadet, plebe
a military trainee (as at a military academy)
printer's devil
an apprentice in a printing establishment
enlistee, recruit
any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces)
Type of:
unskilled person
a person who lacks technical training

n someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field

Synonyms:
learned person, pundit, savant
Types:
polymath
a person of great and varied learning
Type of:
bookman, scholar, scholarly person, student
a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines

n people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity

“it is very familiar to the initiate”
Synonyms:
enlightened
Antonyms:
uninitiate
people who have not been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity
Type of:
people
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
Learn Launch
WORD FAMILY
USAGE EXAMPLES