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

The President’s oldest son, Don, Jr., was among the founders of a members-only society called the Executive Branch, open by invitation to those who can pay initiation fees of as much as half a million dollars. —Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

The Kansas side has several country clubs with five-figure initiation fees. —Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025

Velocity Black’s membership fees are a $900 initiation fee, with annual membership at $3,100 — there’s currently a waitlist to join. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2025

Meanwhile, Los Santos accept Reyes into their operation and give him a pretty awful beat-down as part of his initiation. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing initiation

• initiation rite

Rhymes for initiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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