lead off

Verb

• set in motion, cause to start
  • The U.S. started a war in the Middle East
    
  • The Iraqis began hostilities
    
  • begin a new chapter in your life
    

• teach immoral behavior to
  • It was common practice to lead off the young ones, and teach them bad habits
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  begin , start , commence , lead astray
• Antonyms: 
  end , terminate