1. 开始;创始;发起
    If you initiate something, you start it or cause it to happen.

    e.g. They wanted to initiate a discussion on economics...
           他们想启动一次经济学讨论。
    e.g. The trip was initiated by the manager of the community centre.
           这次旅行由社区活动中心的经理发起。

2. 使初步了解;向…传授基本技巧(或基础知识)
    If you initiate someone into something, you introduce them to a particular skill or type of knowledge and teach them about it.

    e.g. He initiated her into the study of other cultures.
           他将她领进了研究其他文化的大门。

3. (通过仪式)接纳，使加入
    If someone is initiated into something such as a religion, secret society, or social group, they become a member of it by taking part in ceremonies at which they learn its special knowledge or customs.

initiate的解释

    e.g. In many societies, young people are formally initiated into their adult roles.
           在很多社会里,年轻人经过正式仪式才算成年。
    e.g. ...the ceremony that initiated members into the Order.
           吸收成员加入会社的仪式

4. 有初步知识的成员;新入会的人
    An initiate is a person who has been accepted as a member by a particular group or club and been taught its secrets and skills.

    e.g. Chen was an initiate of a Chinese spiritual discipline.
           陈是某个中国神学领域的新入门者。