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

Salmonella is the country's most common cause of food poisoning, while concerns about contamination with the pathogen are a relatively common reason for the initiation of food product recalls. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

New members must pay a non-refundable initiation fee of approximately €20,000 (depending on their age), which is substantially less than an equity membership initiation fee. —Carrie Coolidge, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

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

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