activate

From active + -ate.

• IPA^(key): /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

activate (third-person singular simple present activates, present participle activating, simple past and past participle activated)

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

   activate the economy

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

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

3. (transitive, chemistry, physics) To render more reactive; excite.
4. (transitive, biology) To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
5. (transitive, physics) To render a substance radioactive.
6. (transitive, chemistry) To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
7. (transitive, computing, software) To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
8. (transitive) To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
9. (transitive, military) To organize or create a military unit or station.

   A new squadron was activated.

10. (transitive, sports) To bring a player back after an injury.

• actuate
• enable
• get going
• set going
• set in motion
• set off
• spur
• start
• stimulate
• trigger
• turn on

• deactivate
• inactivate

• activation

• cavitate

activate

1. second-person singular voseo imperative of activar combined with te