- 1initiate something (formal) to make something begin synonym set/put something in motion to initiate legal proceedings against someone The government has initiated a program of economic reform.
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- 2initiate somebody (into something) to explain something to someone and/or make them experience it for the first time His uncle initiated him into the pleasures of sailing.
- 3initiate somebody (into something) to make someone a member of a particular group, especially as part of a secret ceremony Hundreds are initiated into the sect each year.
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NAmE//ɪˈnɪʃiˌeɪt//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they initiate he / she / it initiates
past simple initiated
-ing form initiating
Check pronunciation: initiate