activate

[ak-tuh-veyt]

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of activate¹

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

Example Sentences

These neurons are activated in persistent pain states, but they also process signals related to hunger, fear, and thirst.

Read more on Science Daily

The mid-credits scene shows Julian taking in the wreckage of his digital world before noticing and activating his identity disc.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Exposure to cold can increase the amount of brown fat, and scientists have long suggested that activating it could support weight loss by increasing calorie burning.

Read more on Science Daily

Using personalized “Explorer Key” cards, visitors can activate digital paleontological tools to probe the morphology and physiology of dinosaurs and other creatures.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday, Maduro said on social media that militia members and the armed forces were activated to protect two strategically important states, La Guaira and Carabobo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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