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
It’s expected to last into Monday, authorizing the state’s emergency services personnel to be activated as necessary.
—
Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025
The acidic apple cider or white vinegar activates the baking soda, generating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cookies rise and end up lofty and a bit cake-like, rather than flat.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
There were 300 members of the Illinois National Guard and 200 members of the Texas National Guard activated under Title 10 and in the Chicago area as of Wednesday, the command previously said.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
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Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025
The acidic apple cider or white vinegar activates the baking soda, generating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cookies rise and end up lofty and a bit cake-like, rather than flat.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
There were 300 members of the Illinois National Guard and 200 members of the Texas National Guard activated under Title 10 and in the Chicago area as of Wednesday, the command previously said.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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