activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
activated; activating
: 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
: to become active
Synonyms
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
Centering your seating arrangement with views either toward the house or apartment, or outwards, toward the surrounding views, activates the space and gives guests something to look at.
—
Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 July 2024
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to track the storm and support local authorities’ requests for assistance.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 17 July 2024
His injury is not known, though he can be activated at any point.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2024
An Amber Alert was activated for the three girls on July 1, according to Mexican authorities.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for activate 
Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 July 2024
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to track the storm and support local authorities’ requests for assistance.
—Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 17 July 2024
His injury is not known, though he can be activated at any point.
—Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2024
An Amber Alert was activated for the three girls on July 1, according to Mexican authorities.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for activate
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.
Dictionary Entries Near activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
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
Medical Definition
activate
transitive verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
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
John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
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