initiate

1. 1

   To begin; to start.transitive

   • How are changes of this sort to be initiated?
   • This is a very strong move, aptly timed. It initiates the tactical conception which routs Black's hopes.
2. 2

   To instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.transitive

   • Divine Providence would only initiate and enter mankind into the useful knowledge of her, leaving the rest to employ our industry.
   • to initiate his pupil in any part of learning
3. 3

   To confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.transitive

   • The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honour after death.
   • He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty.
4. 4

   To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.intransitive

   • The king himself initiates to the power; Scatters with quivering hand the sacred flour, And the stream sprinkles.

ant. pause · halt · suspend · discontinue · finish · conclude · complete · stop

1. 1

   A new member of an organization.

2. 2

   One who has been through a ceremony of initiation.

3. 3

   One who is oriented in and familiar with a topic or subject; especially, one who is an expert in it.

1. 1

   Unpracticed, untried, new.obsolete

   • the initiate fear that wants hard use
2. 2

   Begun, commenced, introduced to or in the rudiments (of), newly admitted.obsolete

   • To rise in science as in bliss, / Initiate in the secrets of the skies.