English Dictionary

Definition of “actuate”

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actuate (ˈæktʃʊˌeɪt)

Definitions

verb (tr)

to put into action or mechanical motion
to motivate or incite into action ⇒ actuated by unworthy desires

Alternative Forms

ˌactuˈation noun ˈactuˌator noun

Word Origin

C16: from Medieval Latin actuātus, from actuāre to incite to action, from Latin āctusact

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= motivate, move, drive, influence, excite, urge, inspire, prompt, stir, spur, induce, arouse, rouse, get going quicken, incite, instigate, impel,

= activate, trigger (off) stimulate, set off, initiate, switch on, animate, kick-start, set in motion set going

Usage examples

Are you afraid that this parliament might threaten democracy, or are you really afraid that it would actuate it?
George Monbiot, THE AGE OF CONSENT (2003)

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