deactivate
verb
de·ac·ti·vate
(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
deactivated; deactivating; deactivates
: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivate a bomb
deactivate a chemical compound
Examples of deactivate in a Sentence
deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
Recent Examples on the Web
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, 4 Feb. 2026
The influencer — whose real name is Da Sol Lee — boasted millions of followers across platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, the latter of which is now deactivated.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Australia, social media companies deactivated nearly 5 million accounts belonging to teenagers within weeks of the ban taking effect, the internet regulator said last month, suggesting the measure could have a sweeping impact.
—Reuters
wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Fascinating economic research has shown that many social-media users would pay money to avoid a break from social media while others continue using it, but many of those same users would pay money to have the entire network deactivated for everyone.
—Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
The influencer — whose real name is Da Sol Lee — boasted millions of followers across platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, the latter of which is now deactivated.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
In Australia, social media companies deactivated nearly 5 million accounts belonging to teenagers within weeks of the ban taking effect, the internet regulator said last month, suggesting the measure could have a sweeping impact.
—Reuters
wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Fascinating economic research has shown that many social-media users would pay money to avoid a break from social media while others continue using it, but many of those same users would pay money to have the entire network deactivated for everyone.
—Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deactivate. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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Medical Definition
deactivate
transitive verb
de·ac·ti·vate
(ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
deactivated; deactivating
1
: to make inactive or ineffective
2
: to deprive of chemical activity
deactivate an enzyme
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