v. t. | 1. | ||||
1. | To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon. | ||||
2. | To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce. | ||||
3. | To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies. | ||||
v. i. | 1. | To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. | |||
a. | 1. | ||||
1. | Unpracticed; untried; new. | ||||
2. | Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
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n. | 1. | One who is, or is to be, initiated. |
Noun | 1. | ![]() |
2. | initiate - someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field | |
3. | initiate - 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; "it diverts the attention of the uninitiate" | |
Verb | 1. | initiate - bring into being; "He initiated a new program"; "Start a foundation" |
2. | initiate - take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of; "This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants" Synonyms: pioneer | |
3. | initiate - accept young people into society, usually with some rite; "African men are initiated when they reach puberty" Synonyms: induct | |
4. | initiate - bring up a topic for discussion Synonyms: broach | |
5. | initiate - prepare the way for; "Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War Two" Synonyms: lead up |
INITIATE. A right which is incomplete. By the birth of a child, the husband becomes tenant by the curtesy initiate, but his estate is not consummate until the death of the wife. 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1725.
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