Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of introducing someone formally or with ceremony into a new job, organization, or position. This is the act of being officially admitted or installed.
   • The process of causing something to happen or exist, especially the beginning of a process. This refers to the act of initiating or bringing about a particular state or event.
   • A method of reasoning in which a general principle is derived from a series of specific observations or facts. This is a logical process that moves from the specific to the general.
   • The production of an electric or magnetic state in an object by the proximity of an electrified or magnetized body, or the production of an electric current in a conductor by a changing magnetic field. This is a physical phenomenon in electromagnetism.

Examples of Usage

• Formal Entry into a Position:
  • The company held an induction day for all new employees.
  • His induction into the Hall of Fame was a great honor.
• Causing an Event or State:
  • The doctor supervised the induction of labor.
  • The induction of the anesthetic was quick and smooth.
• Method of Reasoning:
  • The scientist used induction to develop her theory from the experimental data.
  • Reasoning by induction can lead to probable, but not certain, conclusions.
• Electromagnetic Phenomenon:
  • The principle of electromagnetic induction is fundamental to electric generators.
  • Wireless phone chargers work using magnetic induction.

Advanced Usage

• "Induction into": This collocation is commonly used when referring to formal admission into a group.
  • Her induction into the secret society was shrouded in mystery.
• "Induction of": This collocation is used when referring to the initiation of a process or state.
  • The induction of a hypnotic state requires a skilled practitioner.

Variants and Related Words

• Inductive (adj): Pertaining to or using induction, especially logical or electromagnetic induction.
  • Inductive reasoning is common in scientific discovery.
• Induce (v): To bring about or give rise to; to lead by persuasion or influence.
  • The medication may induce drowsiness.
• Inducer (n): A person or thing that induces something.

Synonyms

• Installation: The action of placing someone in a new position of authority.
• Initiation: The action of admitting someone into a secret or obscure society or group.
• Instigation: The action of provoking or starting something.
• Elicitation: The act of drawing out a response or answer.

Related Phrases

• Induction ceremony: A formal event to mark someone's entry into an organization.
  • The fraternity's induction ceremony was held last night.
• Induction coil: An electrical device for producing a high voltage from a low voltage source.
• Induction period: A preliminary time during which a person is trained and acclimatized.

Related Idioms

• Trial by induction: (Not a common idiom, but the concept implies) the challenging process of being initiated or starting a new role.
  • His first week as manager was a real trial by induction.

Noun

1. an act that sets in motion some course of events
2. the act of bringing about something (especially at an early time)
   • the induction of an anesthetic state
3. stimulation that calls up (draws forth) a particular class of behaviors
   • the elicitation of his testimony was not easy
4. reasoning from detailed facts to general principles
5. an electrical phenomenon whereby an electromotive force (EMF) is generated in a closed circuit by a change in the flow of current
6. a formal entry into an organization or position or office
   • his initiation into the club
   • he was ordered to report for induction into the army
   • he gave a speech as part of his installation into the hall of fame