English edit

Etymology edit

active +‎ -ate

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/
  • (file)

Verb edit

activate (third-person singular simple present activates, present participle activating, simple past and past participle activated)

  1. (transitive) To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
    activate the economy
  2. (transitive) To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.
    The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.
  3. (transitive, chemistry, physics) To render more reactive; excite.
  4. (transitive, biology) To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
  5. (transitive, physics) To render a substance radioactive.
  6. (transitive, chemistry) To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
  7. (transitive, computing, software) To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
  8. (transitive) To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
  9. (transitive, military) To organize or create a military unit or station.
    A new squadron was activated.
  10. (transitive, sports) To bring a player back after an injury.

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Spanish edit

Verb edit

activate

  1. second-person singular voseo imperative of activar combined with te