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View synonyms for

activate

[ ak-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

activated, activating.
  1. to make active; cause to function or act.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms: , ,

  2. Physics.
    1. to render more reactive; excite:

      to activate a molecule.

    2. to induce radioactivity.
  3. to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
  4. Chemistry.
    1. to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.
    2. to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.
  5. to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.


verb (used without object)

activated, activating.
  1. to become active or functional.

activate

/ ˈæɪˌɪ /

verb

  1. to make active or capable of action
  2. physics to make radioactive
  3. chem
    1. to increase the rate of (a reaction)
    2. to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption
  4. physiol to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action
  5. to purify (sewage) by aeration
  6. military to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈپˌٴǰ, noun
  • ˌپˈپDz, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·پ··پDz [ak-t, uh, -, vey, -sh, uh, n], noun
  • non··پ··پDz noun
  • ···پ·ٱ verb (used with object) overactivated overactivating
  • ···پ·ٱ verb (used with object) superactivated superactivating
  • ܲ··پ·· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of activate1

First recorded in 1620–30; active + -ate 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

When the body hyperventilates, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response.

From

That gene makes the gut of the female about 20% bigger than the gut in male fruit flies, and makes the female more prone to tumors by activating proteins that cause cell division.

From

It’s unclear what part of exercise is activating the endocannabinoid system when a runner’s high happens.

From

“When THC binds to our CB1 receptors, your hypothalamus gets activated, dopamine gets released and your olfactory sensitivity is heightened, “ Verderame explained.

From

The Sheriff Department’s initial news release said deputies were checking on reports that someone had “attempted to open apartment doors, vehicle doors, and activated the apartment’s fire alarm.”

From

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Actiumactivated alumina