initiate

(noun) someone new to a field or activity. Synonyms: novice, beginner, tyro, tiro.

(noun) someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field. Synonyms: learned person, pundit, savant.

(noun) people who have been introduced to the mysteries of some field or activity. Synonyms: enlightened. Example: "It is very familiar to the initiate."

(verb) bring into being. Synonyms: originate, start. Examples: "He initiated a new program." "Start a foundation."

(verb) take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of. Synonyms: pioneer. Example: "This south african surgeon pioneered heart transplants."

(verb) accept people into an exclusive society or group, usually with some rite. Synonyms: induct. Example: "African men are initiated when they reach puberty."

(verb) bring up a topic for discussion. Synonyms: broach.

(verb) set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for. Synonyms: lead up. Example: "Hitler's attack on poland led up to world war ii."