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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, energize, start, stimulate
- antonyms:
- arrest, halt, inhibit, stop
- similar words:
- arouse, commence, compel, drive, excite, ignite, impel, induce, initiate, inspire, kindle, motivate, prod, propel, trigger, trip, vitalize
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| definition 2: |
in chemistry, to make more reactive, as by heating.
- antonyms:
- inhibit
- similar words:
- catalyze, hasten, stimulate, volatilize
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| definition 3: |
to assign (a military unit) to active status.
- synonyms:
- assign, ready
- antonyms:
- deactivate
- similar words:
- appoint, call, engage, mobilize, post, prepare, summon
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| definition 4: |
in physics, to cause radioactive properties in (a substance).
- similar words:
- excite, irradiate, x-ray
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| definition 5: |
to cause decomposition in (sewage) by aerating.
- synonyms:
- aerate, oxygenate
- similar words:
- air, charge, decompose, ventilate
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| related words: |
impress, power, provoke, quicken, start, work |
| derivation: |
activation (n.) |
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