|
|
ac·ti·vate
 activate
- pronunciation:
- aek
t
veIt
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
activated, activates, activating |
| definition 1: |
to initiate action in; make active.This button activates the wind machine.
- synonyms:
- actuate, arouse, energize, start, stimulate, trip
- antonyms:
- arrest, halt, inhibit, stop
- similar words:
- arouse, commence, compel, drive, excite, ignite, impel, induce, initiate, inspire, kindle, motivate, prod, propel, trigger, vitalize
|
| definition 2: |
in chemistry, to make more reactive, as by heating.- antonyms:
- inhibit
- similar words:
- catalyze, hasten, stimulate, volatilize
|
| definition 3: |
to assign (a military unit) to active status.- synonyms:
- assign, mobilize, ready
- antonyms:
- deactivate
- similar words:
- appoint, call, engage, post, prepare, summon
|
| definition 4: |
in physics, to cause radioactive properties in (a substance).- similar words:
- excite, irradiate, x-ray
|
| definition 5: |
to cause decomposition in (sewage) by aerating.- synonyms:
- aerate, oxygenate
- similar words:
- air, charge, decompose, ventilate
|
| related words: |
impress, power, provoke, quicken, start, work |
| derivation: |
activation (n.) |
|