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
The Blue Jays outfielder’s incredible play came just hours after Toronto activated him off the injured list to make his season debut.
—
Jenna West, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
High quality incense can span a wide range of notes, often activated in inventive ways through the burning process.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
Portugal's National Authority for Emergencies and Civil Protection confirmed that backup power systems activated quickly, allowing hospitals and emergency services to continue operating.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Your springtime calendar is probably packed right now, as your Cancer horoscope for May 2025 is activating all sorts of energy in your career and social life alike.
—Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
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Jenna West, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
High quality incense can span a wide range of notes, often activated in inventive ways through the burning process.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
Portugal's National Authority for Emergencies and Civil Protection confirmed that backup power systems activated quickly, allowing hospitals and emergency services to continue operating.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Your springtime calendar is probably packed right now, as your Cancer horoscope for May 2025 is activating all sorts of energy in your career and social life alike.
—Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 28 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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