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
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
As Lyles started to activate his signature top-end speed, his Jamaican competitors continued to pull away ahead of him.
—
Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Brendan Donovan, who was activated off the IL on Friday after missing 25 games with a groin strain, will see most of the reps at second base.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Abreu ran up to 86-percent on Friday and the Red Sox expect to activate him either during the Athletics series this week at Fenway, or next weekend in Tampa.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
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Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The Angels already had a catcher on the concussion list, but Logan O’Hoppe has been progressing well and he’s expected to be activated when the Angels begin a series in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Brendan Donovan, who was activated off the IL on Friday after missing 25 games with a groin strain, will see most of the reps at second base.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Abreu ran up to 86-percent on Friday and the Red Sox expect to activate him either during the Athletics series this week at Fenway, or next weekend in Tampa.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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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