Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
activate

ac·ti·vate

activate

 
pronunciation:
aek t veIt
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: activates, activating, activated
definition 1: to initiate action in; make active.
This button activates the wind machine.
See a movie for this meaning
See a movie for this meaning
 
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
definition 2: to make (an electronic account or card associated with such an account) ready for use.
I got my new credit card in the mail, but I haven't activated yet.You'll need to call this number to activate your account.
definition 3: in chemistry, to make more reactive, as by heating.
antonyms:
inhibit
similar words:
catalyze, hasten, stimulate, volatilize
definition 4: to assign (a military unit) to active status.
synonyms:
assign, ready
antonyms:
deactivate
similar words:
appoint, call, engage, mobilize, post, prepare, summon
definition 5: in physics, to cause radioactive properties in (a substance).
similar words:
excite, irradiate, x-ray
definition 6: to cause decomposition in (sewage) by aerating.
synonyms:
aerate, oxygenate
similar words:
air, charge, decompose, ventilate
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: activation (n.), activator (n.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature