deactivate

verb

de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
deactivated; deactivating; deactivates

transitive verb

: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivate a bomb
deactivate a chemical compound
deactivation noun

Examples of deactivate in a Sentence

deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
Recent Examples on the Web In 2020, for instance, Amazon deactivated the Echo Look, a camera that helped people organize their wardrobes. Brian X. Chen, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Mexican army minesweepers reportedly deactivated more than 250 antipersonnel mines during that campaign. Keegan Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Wi-Fi jamming devices don’t necessarily deactivate devices, but work by overloading the network the devices are connected to. Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Recalled: Ford EcoSport Rear Seat Covers Porsche recall Porsche is recalling 910 vehicles because the seat belt automatic locking retractor may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 Also, when a chase is terminated officers are to deactivate their lights and sirens, resume a safe speed and comply with traffic laws. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 An article on Saturday about the co-founder of a group that works to deactivate unexploded bombs left behind by the Vietnam War referred imprecisely to an arm injury Ho Van Lai sustained in a cluster bomb explosion. New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 The Savory Fig’s Instagram account appears to have been deactivated. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Tunnell says pouring hot water and vinegar will help deactivate the toxins. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deactivate was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near deactivate

Cite this Entry

“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deactivate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

deactivate

verb
de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivation noun

Medical Definition

deactivate

transitive verb
de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
deactivated; deactivating
1
: to make inactive or ineffective
2
: to deprive of chemical activity
deactivate an enzyme
deactivation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deactivate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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