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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of activate¹

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

Example Sentences

Research has shown that when a person’s fear of death is activated, they tend to crave safety and security from authoritarian leaders.

From Salon

Public galleries and lobby spaces will activate the building throughout the day, not just during shows.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the middle of last week when negotiations began between the clubs again and the deal was put in place that was activated on Monday morning.

From BBC

Manchester City went on to activate their buyback clause and matched Newcastle's offer for their former goalkeeper, who chose to return to Etihad Stadium.

From BBC

An alternative system, or tweaks to existing technology that would enable them to be "automatically activated" as soon as a vessel set off from port, "could be the way forward".

From BBC

Related Words

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