English Dictionary
Definition of “activate”
activate (ˈæktɪˌveɪt
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to make active or capable of action
- physics to make radioactive
- chemistry
- to increase the rate of (a reaction)
- to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption
- physiology 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)
Alternative Forms
ˌactiˈvation noun ˈactiˌvator noun
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
start,
move,
trigger (off)
stimulate,
turn on,
set off,
initiate,
switch on,
propel,
rouse,
prod,
get going
mobilize,
kick-start,
set in motion
impel,
galvanize,
set going
actuate,
prompt,
stir,
motivate,
arouse,
animate,
energize,
Usage examples
Zlotin used a key card to activate the metal door, which opened on to a dimly lit corridor.
MacNeill, Alastair, Code Breaker (1993)To sustain its marketing strengths, however, Escorts will have to activate its product pipeline.
Business Today (1998)Sasser spreads faster than most viruses because it does not require users to click on an e-mail attachment to activate it.
canada.com (2004)By stimulating the metabolism, the patches apparently activate the body's fat-burning mechanisms.
Sun, News of the World (1999)A film which might activate `castration' concerns for male subjects was employed in several studies.
Van de Castle, Robert L., Our Dreaming Mind (1994)
