Initiate

Origin

From Late Latin initiātus, perfect passive participle of initiō ("begin, originate"), from initium ("a beginning"), from ineō ("go in, enter upon, begin"), from in + eō ("go").

Full definition of initiate

Noun

1. A new member of an organization.
2. One who has been through a ceremony of initiation.

Verb

1. (transitive) To begin; to start.
• I. TaylorHow are changes of this sort to be initiated?
2. To instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
• Dr. H. MoreProvidence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry.
• John LockeTo initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough.
3. To confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
• Bishop WarburtonThe Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honour after death.
• SpectatorHe was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty.
4. (intransitive) To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative.

Related terms

• initial
• initials
• initialism
• initialize
• initiation
• initiative

Adjective

1. (obsolete) Unpractised; untried; new.
• Shakespearethe initiate fear that wants hard use
2. (obsolete) Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
• YoungTo rise in science as in bliss,
  Initiate in the secrets of the skies.