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initiate

in·i·ti·ate [ i níshee àyt ]


transitive verb  (past and past participle in·i·ti·at·ed, present participle in·i·ti·at·ing, 3rd person present singular in·i·ti·ates)
Definition:
 
1. make something start: to cause something, especially an important event or process, to begin
to initiate talks

2. teach somebody about something new: to introduce somebody to a new activity, interest, or area
She initiated me into the joys of snowboarding.

3. introduce somebody into group: to allow somebody to take part in a ritual or ceremony in order to become a member of a group, organization, or religion



noun  (plural in·i·ti·ates)
Definition:
 
1. somebody initiated into group: somebody who has been recently and ceremonially admitted to a group, organization, or religion

2. somebody newly introduced to something: somebody recently introduced to a new activity, interest, or area



adjective 
Definition:
 
1. recently initiated: belonging or relating to those who have been recently introduced to a new activity, interest, or area

2. having secret or special knowledge: knowing the secrets of a group, organization, or religion

[Mid-16th century. < Latin initiat-, past participle of initiare "begin" < initium "beginning"]

in·i·ti·a·tor noun
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