English Reference

Word

deactivate

Phoneticsde·ac·ti·vate

US/ˌdiˈæktɪˌveɪt/

UK/diːˈæktɪvˌeɪt/

Definition

v. to turn off or stop a machine, a system, or a feature. You use this when you want to disable something that is currently working.

v. to disable or turn off a device, system, or function. Transitive — requires a direct object.

Examples

“You need to deactivate the alarm before you leave.”

“The technician will deactivate the server to perform a full system update during the weekend.”

“Security protocols require that the administrator deactivate the firewall before attempting to install the new software to prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process.”

Examples

simple

“You need to deactivate the alarm before you leave.”

contextual

“The technician will deactivate the server to perform a full system update during the weekend.”

complex

“Security protocols require that the administrator deactivate the firewall before attempting to install the new software to prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process.”

Real-World Examples

“Russian officials highlight “ human control ,” with a focus on the ability to alter the system, deactivate it or provide limitations, such as on the types of targets that it can engage.”
The Conversation · 22 Sept 2026
“The shooter’s account was deactivated, but she was able to get a new account and continue using the platform to plan her attack.”
The Guardian · 22 Sept 2026
“The manufacturer states that the average time to deactivate 89% of the medication is eight hours; two days for 96%; and two weeks for 99%-100%.”
The Conversation · 18 Sept 2026

Etymology

From de- + activate.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Internet

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/deactivate

English Reference