ENGLISH
REFERENCE

activate

v.
US //ˈæktəˌveɪt// UK //ˈæktɪvˌeɪt// ac·ti·vate
  1. 1 to trigger a device (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a machine, alarm, or system start working.

    to put a device, mechanism, or system into action or motion.

    Example

    The smoke from the burnt toast was enough to activate the fire alarm.

    Example

    The security system is designed to activate the silent alarm the moment the infrared sensors detect unauthorized movement in the vault.

    Usage

    This is a transitive verb that always requires a direct object, such as a device or a system.
  2. 2 to start a process (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to encourage something to develop or to make a process start happening.

    to induce increased activity or stimulate a specific biological or social process.

    Example

    The new government policy aims to activate the local economy by supporting small businesses.

    Example

    The enzyme acts as a catalyst to activate the metabolic pathway responsible for breaking down complex sugars during digestion.
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  1. 3 software/computing (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    to enter a code or license to make a piece of software fully work.

    to remove the functional limitations of a software application by providing a valid license key or digital signature.

    Example

    You need to connect to the internet to activate your copy of the software.

    Example

    Users are prompted to activate their subscription within thirty days to avoid losing access to the cloud-based features of the suite.
  2. 4 chemistry/physics (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    to make a substance more reactive or to make it radioactive.

    to render a molecule or substance reactive, or to induce radioactivity through particle bombardment.

    Example

    Heat is often used to activate the chemicals in the mixture.

    Example

    The sample was placed inside the reactor core to activate the isotopes for the subsequent medical imaging procedure.
  3. 5 military/sports (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to bring a person or a group into active service or play.

    to bring a military unit into existence or to return an injured player to an active roster.

    Example

    The team decided to activate the star player just before the championship game.

    Example

    The department of defense moved to activate several reserve units in response to the escalating border tensions along the border.
Origin

From active + -ate.

Word family

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