1. (

• originate ,
• initiate ,
• start

) bring into being; "He initiated a new program"; "Start a foundation" ;

2. (

• initiate ,
• pioneer ,

) take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of; "This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants" ;

3. (

• initiate ,
• induct ,

) accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite; "African men are initiated when they reach puberty" ;

4. (

• broach ,
• initiate

) bring up a topic for discussion ;

5. (

• lead_up ,
• initiate

) set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for; "Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II" ;