activate
verb (used with object)
to make active; cause to function or act.
had activated
-
past perfectof activate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She later discovered her iPhone 16 had activated a crash detection alert.
From BBC ● May 20, 2026
It said the country had activated its defences in response.
From Barron's ● Mar. 5, 2026
She derided his claim that his use of cortisol cream, not alcohol, had activated his ankle monitor, and she doubled his bail to $2 million.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 22, 2025
Dave had activated his emergency overhead lights but not his siren, which he said he was “chirping” at controlled intersections.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 21, 2024
Their trying to save one another had activated the weapons.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
