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

No illnesses were reported as of the Nov. 27 recall initiation. —James Powel, The Tennessean, 26 Dec. 2024

Box — The content solutions stock ticked 0.3% lower despite an initiation at buy from DA Davidson. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024

Her perceptions transform the reality of migration into an imaginative experience of initiation. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024

Does the initiation and support of responsible AI practices help ensure against the technology’s worst abuses? —Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 6 Dec. 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