as in to kill
to cause to stop functioning
deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
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Recent Examples of deactivate
But by Friday, March 20, LaRussell, who is usually active on social media, deactivated all his accounts due to the ongoing criticism.
—
Zara Irshad, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
According to the complaint, the university did not provide advance notice, a hearing or evidence that the group violated campus policies governing student organizations before deactivating the College Republicans.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The all-wheel drive can be deactivated, with the BMW then operating with rear-wheel drive.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Zara Irshad, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
According to the complaint, the university did not provide advance notice, a hearing or evidence that the group violated campus policies governing student organizations before deactivating the College Republicans.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The all-wheel drive can be deactivated, with the BMW then operating with rear-wheel drive.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deactivate
Verb
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And years later, when the group splintered into increasingly militant factions, some took part in a disastrous bank robbery that killed an innocent guard and two police officers—three men who were just doing their jobs that day, and who left behind their own kids, their own families.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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Three people were killed when a tour helicopter broke apart near Honolulu in April 2019, and that December seven people died - including three children - when one crashed in turbulent weather near the famed Na Pali Coast.—
JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And drivers should avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible, and skip premium gas if their cars allow it, the magazine said.—
Matthew Daly,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
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The rear light flares bright when braking to add visibility for trailing riders and drivers.—
Erica Zazo,
Outside,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The war in Iran has essentially shut off oil tanker traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz, choking off about 20% of the world’s oil supply.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Fire Department had to shut off the system due to an existing pipe issue.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deactivate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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