kɹiːˈeɪʃən faʊnˈdeɪʃən ˈfaʊndɪŋ ɪnˈdʌkʃən ɪ.nɪ.ʃi.ˈeɪ.ʃən ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən ˌɪntɹəˈdʌkʃən ˈtɹɪɡə ˈtɹɪɡɚ an act that sets in motion some course of events the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new she looked forward to her initiation as an adult the foundation of a new scientific society wisdom as evidenced by the possession of knowledge his knowledgeability impressed me his dullness was due to lack of initiation a formal entry into an organization or position or office his initiation into the club he was ordered to report for induction into the army he gave a speech as part of his installation into the hall of fame