activate

verb

ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
activated; activating

transitive verb

: to make active or more active: such as
a(1)
: to make (something, such as a molecule) reactive or more reactive
(2)
: to convert (something, such as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative
b
: to make (a substance) radioactive
c
: to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties
d(1)
: to set up or formally institute (an organized group, such as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment
(2)
: to put (an individual or unit) on active duty

intransitive verb

: to become active
activation noun
activator noun

Examples of activate in a Sentence

Touch the screen to activate the system. activate and then deactivate a mechanism The camera is activated by pushing a button. The bomb was activated by remote control. Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves. vitamins that activate the growth of new cells The President has activated the reserves.
Recent Examples on the Web Think zinc In addition to increasing the output of white blood cells, zinc plays an active role in bolstering the immune system by activating enzymes that break down proteins found in viruses and bacteria. Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024 Engineers activated a self-destruct mechanism while the ship was in mid-air. USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 The medication — which activates a thyroid hormone receptor in the liver to help reduce fat accumulation — is taken by mouth daily. Katherine Dillinger, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 The state’s emergency operations center was activated to coordinate storm response, Beshear said. The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors, which are responsible for regulating mood and anxiety. Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024 The Rebels activated Keylan Boone, who had played at Oklahoma State and Pacific. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2024 Under the National Emergencies Act, for example, the president simply has to declare a national emergency of some kind to activate powers that are contained in more than 130 different provisions of law. Thor Benson, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024 Schoenberger said the next path of exploration is to explore ways that antigens that activate CD4 and CD8 T-cells could be linked. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'activate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

active entry 1 + -ate entry 4, probably as adaptation of French activer, going back to Middle French, derivative of actif active entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of activate was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near activate

Cite this Entry

“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

activate

verb
ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
activated; activating
1
: to make active
2
: to make (as molecules) more chemically active
3
: to make (a substance) give off radioactive particles, give off light at low temperatures, be easily affected by light, or carry an electric charge under the influence of light or other electromagnetic radiation
4
: to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve the amount of adsorption
5
: to place on active military duty
activate the reserves
activation noun
activator noun

Medical Definition

activate

transitive verb
ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: as
a
: to convert into a biologically active derivative or form
activated plasminogen
b
: to make biologically or molecularly active
activate protein synthesis
The [spinal] cord also contains neuronal circuits … that can be activated by incoming sensory signals without input from the brain …John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
activation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on activate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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