actuate

actuate

verb

Definition of ACTUATE

1

to cause to function <a light actuated by a motion detector> <the alarm system actuates the door locks>

Synonyms actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Related Words kick over, turn over; charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push; discharge, launch, release, switch, trip; reactivate, recharge; arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize; ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up; accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up

Near Antonyms arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Antonyms cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

2

to set or keep in motion <hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear>

Synonyms actuate, drive, impel, propel, work

Related Words activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Near Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain