activate
verb
ac·ti·vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
activated; activating
transitive verb
: to make active or more active: such as
a(1)
: to make (something, such as a molecule) reactive or more reactive
(2)
: to convert (something, such as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative
b
: to make (a substance) radioactive
c
: to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties
d(1)
: to set up or formally institute (an organized group, such as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment
(2)
: to put (an individual or unit) on active duty
intransitive verb
: to become active
activation
ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən
noun activator
ˈak-tə-ˌvā-tər
noun 
Synonyms
- actuate
- crank (up)
- drive
- move
- run
- set off
- spark
- start
- touch off
- trigger
- turn on
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Touch the screen to activate the system. activate and then deactivate a mechanism The camera is activated by pushing a button. The bomb was activated by remote control. Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves. vitamins that activate the growth of new cells The President has activated the reserves. See More
Recent Examples on the Web First, stress can activate molecules that signal the body to produce inflammation. 
Aria Bendix, NBC News, 7 Sep. 2022 These words activate Google Assistant, Google's virtual personal assistant. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 23 Aug. 2022 Property managers should activate the space frequently through booking company happy hours and hosting events with third-party organizations. John Ward, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Samantha and Calvin Briggs had two goals: activate every part of the BCRI that didn’t have art on the wall and encourage youth to see themselves as mini scientists. Shauna Stuart | Sstuart@al.com, al, 28 July 2022 Subscribers can activate the deal at amazon.com/grubhub. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 6 July 2022 However, if someone is in imminent danger, crisis lines can sometimes activate emergency services that send a mobile crisis unit or ambulance, but experts said this is rare. Byadjoa Smalls-mantey, ABC News, 13 May 2022 Clicking on any of the links on this page will activate the offer(s) of your choice. Xl Media, cleveland, 26 Aug. 2022 Customers can activate their palms by registering a handprint via an Amazon One kiosk or at checkout in participating stores. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 11 Aug. 2022 See More
Aria Bendix, NBC News, 7 Sep. 2022 These words activate Google Assistant, Google's virtual personal assistant. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 23 Aug. 2022 Property managers should activate the space frequently through booking company happy hours and hosting events with third-party organizations. John Ward, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Samantha and Calvin Briggs had two goals: activate every part of the BCRI that didn’t have art on the wall and encourage youth to see themselves as mini scientists. Shauna Stuart | Sstuart@al.com, al, 28 July 2022 Subscribers can activate the deal at amazon.com/grubhub. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 6 July 2022 However, if someone is in imminent danger, crisis lines can sometimes activate emergency services that send a mobile crisis unit or ambulance, but experts said this is rare. Byadjoa Smalls-mantey, ABC News, 13 May 2022 Clicking on any of the links on this page will activate the offer(s) of your choice. Xl Media, cleveland, 26 Aug. 2022 Customers can activate their palms by registering a handprint via an Amazon One kiosk or at checkout in participating stores. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 11 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
active entry 1 + -ate entry 4, probably as adaptation of French activer, going back to Middle French, derivative of actif active entry 1
First Known Use
1624, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Kids Definition
activate
verb
ac·ti·vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
: to start working or cause to start working
Activate the alarm.
Medical Definition
activate
transitive verb
ac·ti·vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: as
a
: to convert into a biologically active derivative or form
activated plasminogen
b
: to make biologically or molecularly active
activate protein synthesis
The [spinal] cord also contains neuronal circuits … that can be activated by incoming sensory signals without input from the brain … John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
activator
noun
as in catalyst
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- catalyst
- generator
- driver
- trigger
- stimulus
- agent
- energizer
- launcher
- mechanism
- executor
- machinery
- power
- mover
- impetus
- incentive
- agency
- instrumentality
- tool
- vehicle
- ingredient
- organ
- factor
- determinant
- instigator
- instrument
- means
- animator
- weapon
- influence
- inspiration
- medium
- ministry
- cause
- instigation
- expedient
- antecedent
- subagent
- occasion
- subagency
- reason