1. the process of setting something up or preparing it for use, especially by setting initial values or conditions
Usage: commonly used in computing and technology contexts
2. in computing, the process of assigning an initial value to a variable or data structure before it is used
Usage: technical; programming context

Examples

• The initialization of the new software took only a few minutes.
• During system startup, initialization routines check all hardware components.
• Proper initialization of variables prevents errors in the program.
• The initialization phase prepares the database for operation.
• Without initialization, the device cannot function properly.
• The engineer oversaw the initialization of the manufacturing equipment.