C1verbformalbusinesspolitics
US/ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪt/
UK/ɪˈnɪʃ.i.eɪt/
to start something, such as a plan, process or discussion
In context
The city council initiated a project to clean up the river.
Neither side wanted to initiate the conversation about money.
The two companies initiated legal action against each other last spring.
Words that go with initiate
verb + noun
- initiate talksBoth leaders agreed to initiate talks.
- initiate changeManagers must be willing to initiate change.
- initiate legal actionShe plans to initiate legal action.
- initiate a discussionThe teacher initiated a discussion about homework.
- initiate a projectThe university will initiate a new research project.
- initiate contactHe was afraid to initiate contact with her.
verb + preposition
- initiate someone intoOlder members initiate new members into the club.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
initiate to doCorrect: start to do