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

But the complaints turned to celebration when, within hours, AKA posted that a replacement camera in a different hotel had been activated.

From BBC

The mechanism works much like selecting different keys to produce different outcomes, with one light pattern activating the electric mode and another activating the magnetic mode.

From Science Daily

By the time Joyce went into labour on the Wednesday night, the area's major emergency scheme had been activated and the army called in to provide assistance.

From BBC

Outside his aunt’s condo complex, Mim activated the door to the car, and as it whirred open, Maya-Jade bundled the boy into a hug, scrunching his face into her ponytail.

From Literature

When the leader won a set of points in this manner, she could “give birth to,” or activate, the next member of her team, who would play their counterpart on the other team.

From Literature

Related Words

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