Meaning & use
initialize
Last updated
to set something, especially a computer program, variable, or device, to its starting state or value.
See it in a sentence
The program initializes all variables to zero before running the main loop.
You'll need to initialize the hard drive before installing the new operating system.
A note on using this word
Chiefly a computing term; outside of technology, 'begin' or 'start' is usually the more natural word.
Words with a similar meaning
set upstart up
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