activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
activated; activating
: 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
: to become active
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Once inside, the burglars were able to find and break into a safe where money was stored without activating alarms, the outlet reported.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
Elsewhere, a fiery spear for the Sun Mask is needed to activate switches that open doors, but players will have to race to the opening before time runs out.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
At 10 points along the track, songs, phrases, or sounds are activated when the train rolls over them.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024
The agency's Emergency Operations Center -- which is activated depending on weather incidents -- was partially operating with two employees the day before the fire.
—Brianna Sacks and Anumita Kaur The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 21 Apr. 2024
The agency’s Emergency Operations Center — which is activated depending on weather incidents — was partially operating with two employees the day before the fire.
—Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
The campaign is really focused on reaching people all across the board, and then at a smaller level, engaging them and activating to vote.
—Leah Feiger, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2024
This mineral activates over 300 enzymes that help the body build proteins, strengthen bones, support nerve and muscle function, and regulate heart rhythm.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Post brew, the machine automatically activates a keep-warm setting that maintains the coffee’s hot temperature for up to two hours.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2024
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024
Elsewhere, a fiery spear for the Sun Mask is needed to activate switches that open doors, but players will have to race to the opening before time runs out.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
At 10 points along the track, songs, phrases, or sounds are activated when the train rolls over them.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024
The agency's Emergency Operations Center -- which is activated depending on weather incidents -- was partially operating with two employees the day before the fire.
—Brianna Sacks and Anumita Kaur The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 21 Apr. 2024
The agency’s Emergency Operations Center — which is activated depending on weather incidents — was partially operating with two employees the day before the fire.
—Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
The campaign is really focused on reaching people all across the board, and then at a smaller level, engaging them and activating to vote.
—Leah Feiger, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2024
This mineral activates over 300 enzymes that help the body build proteins, strengthen bones, support nerve and muscle function, and regulate heart rhythm.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Post brew, the machine automatically activates a keep-warm setting that maintains the coffee’s hot temperature for up to two hours.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'activate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
1
: to make active
2
: to make (as molecules) more chemically active
3
: to make (a substance) give off radioactive particles, give off light at low temperatures, be easily affected by light, or carry an electric charge under the influence of light or other electromagnetic radiation
4
: to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve the amount of adsorption
5
: to place on active military duty
activate the reserves
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
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