activate
/ˈæktəˌveɪt/
verb
activates;
activated;
activating
activate
/ˈæktəˌveɪt/
verb
activates;
activated;
activating
Britannica Dictionary definition of ACTIVATE
[+ object]
1
:
to make (something) active or more active: such as
a
:
to cause (a device) to start working
-
Touch the screen to activate the system.
-
activate and then deactivate a mechanism
-
A loud alarm was activated [=set off] when he opened the door.
-
The camera is activated by pushing a button.
-
The bomb was activated by remote control.
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b
chemistry
:
to cause (a chemical reaction or natural process) to begin
-
Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves.
-
vitamins that activate the growth of new cells
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2
chiefly US
:
to order (soldiers) to serve in a war
-
The President has activated the reserves.
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activate the troops
-
Our military unit was activated [=called into action] soon after the start of the war.
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— activation
/ˌæktəˈveɪʃən/
noun
[noncount]
