1. commence officially (Freq. 3) • Syn: kick off • Derivationally related forms: kickoff (for: kick off), inauguration • Hypernyms: start, start up, embark on, commence • Hyponyms: swear in, dedicate • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s something - Something ----s something 2. open ceremoniously or dedicate formally • Derivationally related forms: inauguration • Hypernyms: open • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s something 3. be a precursor of - The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in the post-Cold War period • Syn: usher in, introduce • Derivationally related forms: augury • Hypernyms: begin, lead off, start, commence • Verb Frames: - Something ----s something