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