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1. Take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
   - get down, begin, get, start out, start, set about, set out
    
2. Set in motion, cause to start
   "The Iraqis commenced hostilities"
   - begin, lead off, start
    
3. Get off the ground
   "Who commenced this company?"
   - start, start up, embark on

Derived forms: commences, commenced, commencing

See also: commencement