activate

verb

ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
activated; activating

transitive verb

: 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

intransitive verb

: to become active
activation noun
activator noun

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 Schoenberger said the next path of exploration is to explore ways that antigens that activate CD4 and CD8 T-cells could be linked. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 But just last month, Amgen released data on a new drug that activates GLP-1 receptors, blocks GIP receptors, and still helps people lose weight. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 This information may be helpful down the road in developing pharmaceuticals that activate oxidation resistance 1 expression independently of caloric intake. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The experience of falling and being in love releases high levels of dopamine, a hormone that activates a reward circuit in the brain that leads to feelings of euphoria. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Here, guests get to play with Mama Luna’s many cats on vivid interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas, and levers. EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 Chrysler has also issued a separate recall for some 9,400 2023-2024 model year Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs over issues with activating high beam lights. William Gavin, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 The home was surrounded by police vehicles that had their emergency lights activated. The Arizona Republic, 26 Feb. 2024 It can be activated in response to challenges and stressors such as failure. Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

Etymology

active entry 1 + -ate entry 4, probably as adaptation of French activer, going back to Middle French, derivative of actif active entry 1

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of activate was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near activate

Cite this Entry

“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

activate

verb
ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
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
activation noun
activator noun

Medical Definition

activate

transitive verb
ac·​ti·​vate ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce activate (audio)
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
c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
activation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on activate

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