# activate

Pronunciation: say "AK-ti-vayt" /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/

## Verb

1. To put a device, mechanism, or system into action; to trigger or set off.
   - Simple: To turn on a device or system so that it starts working.
   - _Firefighters can activate the sprinklers manually during a drill._
   - _A single command activates every sensor in the building._
2. To encourage growth or development in something, or stimulate it into greater activity.
   - Simple: To make something grow or become more active.
   - _Coaches use praise to activate a team's competitive drive._
   - _Sunlight activates the chemical processes that let leaves produce food._
3. To unlock the full functionality of trial software by supplying a valid license.
   - Simple: To unlock the full features of software by entering a license.
   - _You must activate the software within thirty days of installation._
   - _The license key activates all the premium features at once._
4. To render a molecule reactive, active, or able to perform its biological function.
   - Simple: To make a molecule active so it can do its work.
   - _Certain enzymes activate hormones that regulate metabolism._
   - _Phosphorylation activates the protein, switching on its signaling role._
5. To make a substance more chemically reactive; to excite it into a reactive state.
   - Simple: To make a chemical react more easily than before.
   - _A catalyst can activate molecules that would not otherwise react._
   - _Ultraviolet light activates the compound, raising its electrons to higher energy._
6. To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating the reactants to drive it forward.
   - Simple: To speed up a chemical reaction, often by heating it.
   - _Chemists often activate sluggish reactions by raising the temperature._
   - _Heating the sample activates the process within minutes._
7. To cause a stable material to become radioactive, usually through particle bombardment.
   - Simple: To make a substance radioactive so it gives off radiation.
   - _Reactor neutrons activate the surrounding steel over time._
   - _Steady bombardment slowly activates the cobalt sample._
8. To formally organize or bring into existence a military unit or station.
   - Simple: To set up a new military unit or base.
   - _The Pentagon plans to activate two additional squadrons this year._
   - _The Navy activated the new command at a ceremony on the coast._
9. To return an injured player to the active roster, making them eligible to play again.
   - Simple: To bring a player back to the team after an injury.
   - _The team chose to activate their quarterback ahead of the playoffs._
   - _Management activated the veteran pitcher from the injured list._
10. To introduce air into organic matter in order to speed the natural decomposition of its material.
   - Simple: To add air to organic matter so it breaks down.
   - _Gardeners activate their compost by turning it to let air reach the center._
   - _The plant operator activates the sludge with forced air to aid breakdown._

## Origin

Formed from "active" combined with the suffix "-ate".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/activate (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).