deactivate

verb

de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
deactivated; deactivating; deactivates

transitive verb

: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivate a bomb
deactivate a chemical compound
deactivation noun

Examples of deactivate in a Sentence

deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With his jaw clenched and sights set on being the next James Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Major Will Tranter, a bomb disposal pro who’s both an ace sniper and a bit of a loose cannon, breaking protocol in his obsessive attempt to deactivate the vintage ordnance with minimal casualties. Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 His personal page has been deactivated before as well. John Tufts, IndyStar, 6 Sep. 2025 Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025 Due to the online backlash, Ramsey deactivated their social media accounts. Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deactivate

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deactivate was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deactivate. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

deactivate

verb
de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivation noun

Medical Definition

deactivate

transitive verb
de·​ac·​ti·​vate (ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce deactivate (audio)
deactivated; deactivating
1
: to make inactive or ineffective
2
: to deprive of chemical activity
deactivate an enzyme
deactivation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deactivate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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