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.

---

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)

---

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 diamond-white pixels perform a little choreographed welcome when the car is activated, like the chasing lights of a Broadway marquee.

From The Wall Street Journal

Early on, hepatocytes began activating genes that help cells survive harsh conditions.

From Science Daily

The military said it had notified the Coast Guard to "activate the Search and Rescue system," without offering more details about the fate of those aboard the other boats.

From Barron's

As of last week, some 300 National Guard troops remained activated in the Chicago area but were not engaged in operations.

From Barron's

“By pre-positioning emergency crews and activating resources in advance, we can respond faster and more effectively if conditions deteriorate,” Newsom said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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