initiate

One entry found for initiate.

Main Entry: ¹ini·ti·ate
Pronunciation: i-'ni-shE-"At
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium
1 : to cause or facilitate the beginning of : set going <initiate a program of reform> <enzymes that initiate fermentation>
2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites
3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something : INTRODUCE
synonym see BEGIN
- ini·ti·a·tor /-"A-t&r/ noun