activate

American  

[ak-tuh-veyt] / ˈæk təˌveɪt /

verb (used with object)

activated, activating

1. to make active; cause to function or act.

   Synonyms:

   start , actuate

   Antonyms:

   check , halt , stop

2. Physics.

   1. to render more reactive; excite.

      to activate a molecule.

   2. to induce radioactivity.

3. to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.

4. Chemistry.

   1. to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.

   2. to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.

5. to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.

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verb (used without object)

activated, activating

1. to become active or functional.

activate British  

/ ˈæktɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. to make active or capable of action

2. physics to make radioactive

3. chem

   1. to increase the rate of (a reaction)

   2. to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption

4. physiol to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action

5. to purify (sewage) by aeration

6. military to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)

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Other Word Forms

• activation noun
• activator noun
• nonactivation noun
• overactivate verb (used with object)
• superactivate verb (used with object)
• unactivated adjective

Etymology

Origin of activate

First recorded in 1620–30; active + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The method uses a brief electrical stimulus to activate brain tissue, followed immediately by rapid freezing.

From Science Daily

Yet Beijing chose to activate mechanisms that mobilize public opinion—indirectly shaping the behavior of businesses and consumers—and afford the government plausible deniability.

From The Wall Street Journal

Recent findings show that long-term memories form through a sequence of molecular timing mechanisms that activate across different parts of the brain.

From Science Daily

After missing the start of the season following knee surgery, Perry was activated last month on the same day captain Anze Kopitar was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.

From Los Angeles Times

In February this year, Young Boys had a suspended partial home stadium closure activated for the lighting of fireworks, with a new and more substantial ground punishment placing them on probation for another two years.

From BBC

Related Words

• call up
• mobilize
• stimulate
• switch on
• trigger
• turn on