Main Entry: ac·ti·vate

Pronunciation: \ˈak-tə-ˌvāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ac·ti·vat·ed; ac·ti·vat·ing

Date: 1626

transitive verb : to make active or more active: as a (1) : to make (as molecules) reactive or more reactive (2) : to convert (as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative b : to make (a substance) radioactive c : to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties d (1) : to set up or formally institute (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

— ac·ti·va·tion \ˌak-tə-ˈvā-shən\ noun

— ac·ti·va·tor \ˈak-tə-ˌvā-tər\ noun