Definition of: initiate

(in·ish′ē·āt) v.t. ·at·ed, ·at·ing
1. To begin; originate.
2. To introduce, as into a position or club, usually with rites or ceremony.
3. To instruct in fundamentals or principles. See synonyms under ENROL, INSTALL, TEACH.
—adjective (-it, -āt)
1. Instructed in the rudiments or secrets; initiated; newly admitted, as into a secret society.
2. Initial; begun; commenced; new.
3. Characteristic of an inexperienced person or of one newly initiated.
—noun (-it, -āt) One who has been initiated; also, a beginner. [<L initiatus, pp. of initiare enter upon <initium beginning. See INITIAL.]
—in·i′ti·a′tor noun