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activate

verb
ac·​ti·​vate | \ ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio) \
activated; activating

Definition of activate

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
Other Words from activate Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about activate

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Other Words from activate

activation \ ˌak-​tə-​ˈvā-​shən How to pronounce activation (audio) \ noun
activator \ ˈak-​tə-​ˌvā-​tər How to pronounce activator (audio) \ noun

Examples of activate in a Sentence

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Each fan was given one upon entry and told to activate them before the ceremony. — Nora Princiotti, BostonGlobe.com, "Patriots’ banner ceremony is a blast from the past," 8 Sep. 2019 Firefox is already testing its capabilities, and plans to activate them soon. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, The Denver Post, "Review: Google Chrome has become surveillance software. It’s time to switch.," 23 June 2019 Galvis was claimed off waivers Monday and activated him to the 25-man roster Tuesday, optioning utility player Brian O’Grady to Triple-A Louisville. — Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati.com, "Freddy Galvis expected to play mostly second base with the Cincinnati Reds," 14 Aug. 2019 The scientists incubated mouse sperm in a mixture containing molecules that would bind to the receptors and activate them. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "Changing sperm speed can influence offspring’s sex, mouse study suggests," 13 Aug. 2019 The results are announced shortly after the race starts, and the winning three drivers can activate it any time after the 22nd minute of the race. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Formula E five years on: Cars Technica grades the electric racing series," 23 July 2019 The Tigers want Harrison to play at least eight games and receive 35-40 at-bats before activating him. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers' injuries: Grayson Greiner has a setback, Josh Harrison close," 5 July 2019 While O'Neill was equipped with a body camera, police say the officer did not activate it and there is no other footage of the shooting. — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, "A fatal police shooting has upended Mayor Pete Buttigieg's campaign. Here's what you need to know.," 24 June 2019 Firefox is already testing its capabilities, and plans to activate them soon. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, The Denver Post, "Review: Google Chrome has become surveillance software. It’s time to switch.," 23 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'activate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of activate

1624, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

History and Etymology for activate

active entry 1 + -ate entry 4, probably as adaptation of French activer, going back to Middle French, derivative of actif active entry 1

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More Definitions for activate

activate

verb
How to pronounce activate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of activate

: to cause (a device) to start working
chemistry : to cause (a chemical reaction or natural process) to begin
chiefly US : to order (soldiers) to serve in a war

See the full definition for activate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

activate

verb
ac·​ti·​vate | \ ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio) \
activated; activating

Kids Definition of activate

: to start working or cause to start working Activate the alarm.

activate

transitive verb
ac·​ti·​vate | \ ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio) \
activated; activating

Medical Definition of activate

: to make active or more active: as
a : to convert into a biologically activ

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