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

Her perceptions transform the reality of migration into an imaginative experience of initiation. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025

Freedom refers to the absence of the initiation of physical force, the absence of compulsion and coercion. —Brian P Simpson, Orange County Register, 7 Jan. 2025

These narrow all-mountain skis—also called frontside skis—promote easier turn initiation and edge engagement, while still offering a solid platform in a variety of terrain (groomers, moguls, trees) and even in a few inches of fresh snow. —Jenny Wiegand, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024

Since these deal initiations typically take six to nine months to finalize, a surge of new deal announcements is expected to unfold in the first half of 2025. —Rusty Wiley, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

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