activate — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   activate the economy

2. To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.

3. To render more reactive; excite.

   Usage

   • Transitive

4. To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.

   Usage

   • Transitive

5. To render a substance radioactive.

   Usage

   • Transitive

6. To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.

   Usage

   • Transitive

7. To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.

   Usage

   • Transitive

8. To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.

   Usage

   • Transitive

9. To organize or create a military unit or station.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   A new squadron was activated.

10. To bring a player back after an injury.

    Usage

    • Transitive

11. To enter an active state.

    Usage

    • Intransitive

    Examples

    The burglar alarm activates automatically.

Verb

1. put in motion or move to act

   Synonyms

   tripactuatetriggerset offspark offsparktrigger offtouch off

   Broader terms

   initiatepioneer

   Examples

   trigger a reaction

   actuate the circuits

2. make active or more active

   Antonyms

   inactivate

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify

   Examples

   activate an old file

3. make more adsorptive

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify

   Examples

   activate a metal

4. aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter

   Synonyms

   aerate

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify

5. make (substances) radioactive

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify