# reactivate

/ˈɹiˈæktəˌveɪt/ (US) · /ɹɪˈæktɪvˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reactivate
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to turn something on or make it work again after it was stopped or paused. You use this when you start using an account, phone, or plan again.

For teachers: to restore something to an active or functioning state after a period of suspension, deactivation, or disuse.

## Examples

- I reactivate my gym membership every January.
- After six months abroad, she contacts the bank to reactivate her old account.
- The airline sought to reactivate retired aircraft to meet surging summer demand after years of reduced schedules.

## Antonyms

deactivate, disable, suspend, cancel

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.