verb / noun

initiate

ih-NISH-ee-ayt/ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/

To bring someone or something into a new undertaking.

A hand initiates a chain reaction by tipping the first domino.

Initiate, begin a process: close view of a brown human hand gently tipping the first wooden domino in a long orderly row; the next two begin to topple while rest stand.

Etymology

Latin initiare, 'to begin or originate,' was built on initium, 'a beginning' or 'entrance.' Its deeper connection with 'going into' presents beginning a process as entering upon it.

In context

History of Simple Things5:13

In Japan, it's polite to wait for the oldest or most senior person to initiate the toast.

Why Do We Toast with ‘Cheers, Salud, Kampai, etc.’ and Clink Our Glasses?

More examples

The neighbors initiated a cleanup of the local park.
The club initiates new members at its annual ceremony.
My grandmother initiated me into the art of bread baking.
Each initiate receives guidance from an experienced member.

Forms

initiate · initiates · initiated · initiating

initiation noun — The act of beginning or admitting someone.

initiator noun — Someone who starts an activity or process.

Similar words

start: Focuses on beginning, without implying admission or formal instruction.
introduce: Emphasizes bringing someone into a subject or new setting.
novice: Describes a beginner, not necessarily someone formally admitted.