activate
[ ak-tuh-veyt ]
/ ˈæk təˌveɪt /
||
verb (used with object), ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.
to make active; cause to function or act.
Physics.
- to render more reactive; excite: to activate a molecule.
- to induce radioactivity.
to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
Chemistry.
- to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.
- to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.
to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for activates
It activates your parasympathetic nervous system and tells your body to relax and recuperate.
It also has found a formula that activates and energizes hundreds of millions of people to believe in a better future.
China’s Not the Big Trade Cheat Harming America’s Domestic Economy|Zachary Karabell|March 19, 2012|DAILY BEASTThe suggestion reaches your subconscious and activates you consciously to waken.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers
British Dictionary definitions for activates
activate
/ (ˈæktɪˌveɪt) /
verb (tr)
to make active or capable of action
physics to make radioactive
chem
- to increase the rate of (a reaction)
- to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption
physiol to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action
to purify (sewage) by aeration
US military to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)
Derived Forms
activation, nounactivator, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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