activate

verb

AK-ti-vayt/ˈæktɪˌveɪt/

10 meanings of activate

1
verbtransitive
To turn on a device or system so that it starts working.
Like flipping a switch to make a machine start.
Press this button to activate the alarm.
She activated the security system before leaving the house.
Similartrigger, start (entry), operate, enable, engage
Oppositedeactivate, disable
2
verbtransitive
To make something grow or become more active.
Like watering a plant to help it grow faster.
Exercise can activate the muscles in your legs.
Warm weather activated the plant's new growth.
Similarstimulate, trigger, spur, arouse, awaken
Oppositesuppress, inhibit, dampen
Note
3
verbtransitive
To unlock the full features of software by entering a license.
Like using a key to open a locked room full of tools.
Enter the code to activate the program.
He activated the app after buying a license.
Similarunlock, register
Oppositedeactivate
Note
4
verbtransitive
To make a molecule active so it can do its work.
Like turning on a tool so it is ready to use.
Enzymes can activate other proteins inside a cell.
The body activated the vitamin so it could be used.
Oppositedeactivate, inhibit
Note
5
verbtransitive
To make a chemical react more easily than before.
Like warming up before a race so your body moves faster.
Heat can activate the chemicals in the mixture.
The catalyst activated the gas so it would burn.
Similarexcite
Oppositedeactivate
Note
6
verbtransitive
To speed up a chemical reaction, often by heating it.
Like turning up the heat under a pot to cook food faster.
You can activate the reaction by warming the flask.
The technician activated the mixture with a gentle flame.
Similaraccelerate, speed, hasten
Oppositeslow, retard, inhibit
Note
7
verbtransitive
To make a substance radioactive so it gives off radiation.
Like a sponge soaking up energy until it gives off radiation.
Neutrons can activate the metal inside the reactor.
The beam activated the foil for a short time.
Note
8
verbtransitive
To set up a new military unit or base.
Like starting a new team and giving it people and a place to work.
The army will activate a new unit next spring.
They activated the coastal base during the war.
Similarestablish, form, create
Oppositedeactivate, disband, decommission
Note
9
verbtransitive
To bring a player back to the team after an injury.
Like putting a repaired tool back into the toolbox so you can use it again.
The coach will activate the striker for Sunday's match.
They activated the goalie once his knee healed.
Similarreinstate
Oppositedeactivate
Note
10
verbtransitive
To add air to organic matter so it breaks down.
Like stirring a fire to give it air so it burns better.
Farmers activate the compost by turning it with a fork.
He activated the heap by mixing in fresh air.
Similaraerate

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the word "active" plus the ending "-ate".