activate

[ ak-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.

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

   Synonyms: start, actuate

   Antonyms: halt, stop, check

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.

verb (used without object)

, ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.

1. to become active or functional.

activate

/ 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)

Derived Forms

• ˈactiˌvator, noun
• ˌactiˈvation, noun

Other Words From

• ac·ti·va·tion [ak-t, uh, -, vey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• non·ac·ti·va·tion noun
• o·ver·ac·ti·vate verb (used with object) overactivated overactivating
• su·per·ac·ti·vate verb (used with object) superactivated superactivating
• un·ac·ti·vat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of activate¹

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

Example Sentences

Similarly, at the White Hart in Drury Lane, central London, staff activated their response protocol when our researcher asked for Angela.

From BBC

“There’s no jerky motions or throwing of weights. And it can increase your circulation — you get greater blood flow while activating your muscles. So you’re adding a cardiovascular benefit for something that’s typically anaerobic.”

From Los Angeles Times

A statement from the country's national energy company said "strong winds caused by the major hurricane Rafael caused the shutdown of the national electricity system" and that emergency protocols had been activated.

From BBC

That has included blaming the CHJ hydrographic agency, which is controlled by Madrid, for allegedly activating and then de-activating an alert on the day in question.

From BBC

That suspension was activated when he was dismissed for contesting Gibbs-White's red card in the draw at Brighton in September, meaning he has watched Forest's past three games from the stands.

From BBC

Related Words

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