actuate | Definition of actuate

Synonyms and Antonyms of actuate

1 to cause to function

a light actuated by a motion detector

the alarm system actuates the door locks

Synonyms of actuate

activate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Words Related to actuate

kick over, turn over

charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push

discharge, launch, release, switch, trip

reactivate, recharge

arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize

ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up

accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up

Near Antonyms of actuate

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop

decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Antonyms of actuate

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

2 to set or keep in motion

hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear

Synonyms of actuate

drive, impel, move, propel, work

Words Related to actuate

activate, motivate, provoke

abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up)

set off, trigger, trip

arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Near Antonyms of actuate

bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain