actuate
verb
transitive verb
Synonyms
- activate
- crank (up)
- drive
- move
- run
- set off
- spark
- start
- touch off
- trigger
- turn on
Example Sentences
James Edward Mills, Outside Online, 9 Mar. 2019 Typical mechanical switches actuate when two pieces of metal make contact. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 21 June 2022 Compared to a full-size Cherry MX Brown switch (4 mm / 2 mm / 55 g), the MX Keys Mechanical's brown switches felt quicker to actuate and return, likely due to the shorter travel. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 24 May 2022 Optical mechanical switches actuate based on whether or not the switch's stem is passing through a light beam in the switch's housing. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2022 For comparison, Cherry's most common tactile mechanical switches (MX Browns) have the same specs but actuate at 2 mm with more force, 55 g. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2022 The keyboard has reed switches, which use magnets to actuate. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 3 Dec. 2021 In a side-by-side comparison with Cherry MX Browns, the G413 SE's switches felt lighter to actuate with a less prominent bump that was easier to press through. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 23 Feb. 2022 According to the full-size SE keyboard's product page, the switches actuate at 1.9 mm with 50 g of force and bottom out at 4 mm. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 25 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuātus, past participle of āctuāre "to actualize," verbal derivative of Latin āctus act entry 1
1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1
actuate
verb
Synonyms & Similar Words
- activate
- trigger
- spark
- drive
- power
- move
- generate
- fuel
- ignite
- start
- provoke
- push
- set off
- touch off
- turn on
- switch
- run
- electrify
- energize
- stimulate
- charge
- fire
- crank (up)
- launch
- release
- reactivate
- turn over
- discharge
- accelerate
- excite
- incite
- instigate
- arouse
- kick over
- vitalize
- catalyze
- recharge
- quicken
- stir up
- trip
- step up
- kick-start
- jump-start
- speed (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- deactivate
- kill
- brake
- cut
- stop
- check
- shut off
- stick
- suppress
- halt
- decelerate
- repress
- cut out
- arrest
- cut off
- stall
- jam
- turn off
- slow
- stunt
- draw up
Synonyms & Similar Words
- activate
- move
- drive
- propel
- impel
- trigger
- work
- stimulate
- motivate
- provoke
- raise
- incite
- abet
- foment
- rouse
- instigate
- set off
- galvanize
- excite
- ferment
- inspire
- arouse
- inflame
- whip (up)
- stir (up)
- trip
- enflame
- fire (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- regulate
- restrain
- control
- inhibit
- constrain
- contain
- check
- curb
- rein (in)
- bridle
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of actuate are drive, impel, and move. While all these words mean "to set or keep in motion," actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.
The synonyms drive and actuate are sometimes interchangeable, but drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.
The words impel and actuate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.
In some situations, the words move and actuate are roughly equivalent. However, move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.