deactivate — English Dictionary

Verb

1. to make something inactive or no longer effective

   Usage

   • ergative

   Examples

   deactivate an account

   deactivate a device

   More examples (2)

   The technician deactivated the alarm system before repairs began.

   You should deactivate your old account to protect your privacy.

2. to prevent the action of a biochemical agent (such as an enzyme)

   Examples

   chemically deactivate

   The chemical agent was deactivated by exposure to heat.

3. to remove a person or piece of hardware from active military service

4. to commit suicide

   Usage

   • Internet
   • euphemistic
   • neologism

Verb

1. remove from active military status or reassign

   Broader terms

   dischargemuster out

   Examples

   The men were deactivated after five years of service

2. make inactive

   Synonyms

   inactivate

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify

   Examples

   they deactivated the file