initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion i-ˌni-shē-ˈā-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of initiating

b

: the process of being initiated

c

: the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status

2

: the condition of being initiated into some experience or sphere of activity : knowledgeableness

Synonyms

• baptism
• inaugural
• inauguration
• induction
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investiture
• investment

Examples of initiation in a Sentence

his initiation as a member of the club

crimes committed as part of gang initiations

the initiation of judicial proceedings

Recent Examples on the Web

Healthy inflammation includes the distinct phases of initiation and resolution. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

The company highlighted the initiation of an adolescent/adult cohort for its NGN-401 clinical trial for Rett syndrome and announced positive interim clinical data. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 18 Nov. 2024

These policies also reduce tobacco use initiation, especially among youth, and encourage people who smoke to quit. —David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

While advising the policymaking of their respective economy to recognize global governance goals and objectives, the Development Attaché supports the initiation of impactful global transactions that are measurable toward achieving sustainable development globally. —Majeed Javdani, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Kids Definition

initiation

noun

ini·​ti·​a·​tion in-ˌish-ē-ˈā-shən 

1

: the act of initiating : the process of being initiated : introduction

2

: the ceremonies with which a person is made a member of a club or society