initiate

initiate vb

1 *begin, commence, start, inaugurate

Analogous words: *found, establish, organize, institute

Antonyms: consummate

Contrasted words: effect, fulfill, execute, accomplish, achieve, *perform: *enforce, implement

2 Initiate, induct, inaugurate, install, invest are comparable when meaning to put one through the processes, ceremonies, or other formalities regarded as essential to one's being admitted to one's duties as a member or an official.

Initiate (see also BEGIN) usually implies admission to some organization, cult, or craft and especially to one requiring indoctrination in its mysteries or mysterious rites or ceremonies in the introduction of new members

{

initiate the newly elected members of a college fraternity

}

{

initiate young people in the elements of physical science— T. H. Huxle

}

{

initiate a new reporter into the secrets of successful news gathering

}

Induct may often be used in place of initiate, especially when introduction under guidance is also implied

{

induct a person into the duties of a new position

}

{

induct a draftee into the army

}

But induct, as well as inaugurate, install, and invest, may imply a formal or ceremonious endowing of a person with the powers and prerogatives of an office or post

{

induct the new governor of a colony

}

Induct is used technically of clergymen who are put in possession of a benefice or living, or of officials who are established in their office with appropriate rites or ceremonies

{

induct the new rector of a parish

}

{

the new superintendent of schools was inducted into office at last night's meeting of the board of education

}

Inaugurate (see also BEGIN) usually implies more formal and dignified ceremonies and much more publicity than induct

{

inaugurate the president of the United States

}

{

inaugurate the new president of the university

}

Install implies induction into an office associated with a seat

{

install the officers of a society

}

{

install a bishop as the archbishop of his new diocese

}

The term also may be used in reference to persons who are formally or comfortably seated

{

install the guest of honor in the most comfortable chair

}

{

install the tottering old lady in a chair by the fireside

}

It is also the only one of these terms which may be used in reference to things as well as to persons

{

install new machinery in a factory

}

{

install electric light fixtures

}

Invest usually suggests a clothing with the robes or other insignia of an office and, by extension, with the powers of that office. It often also implies a ceremony but it may suggest only the addition of powers that come to one on one's induction into a position or office

{

by the constitution of the United States the president is invested with certain important political powers— John Marshall

}

Analogous words: introduce, admit, *enter

Contrasted words: *eject, oust, expel, dismiss: *exclude, eliminate, disbar, blackball, shut out: divest, *strip