# init

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/init
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a short way of saying 'initialize'. It means to start a program or a process so it is ready to use.

For teachers: a shortened form of 'initialize', referring to the process of setting up a system, program, or variable for use. Often used in technical contexts to describe the startup sequence of an operating system or software.

## Examples

- The init process starts when the computer boots up.
- After the kernel loads, the init program takes over to start all the necessary services for the system.
- In Unix-like operating systems, the init process is the first user-space process and has the process ID of 1, serving as the ancestor to all other processes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.