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, 22 June 2025
Verve’s innovative gene-editing technology, which permanently deactivates the PCSK9 gene to address high cholesterol, represents a breakthrough approach to cardiovascular disease treatment.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
So many will be deactivated, while some will merge and in a few cases some will be rebranded.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
In fact a few behemoth Swift fan accounts with six digits in followers were recently sent to Instagram purgatory and deactivated for similar infractions including @in.that.taylor.haze and @tstourtips.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025
Verve’s innovative gene-editing technology, which permanently deactivates the PCSK9 gene to address high cholesterol, represents a breakthrough approach to cardiovascular disease treatment.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
So many will be deactivated, while some will merge and in a few cases some will be rebranded.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
In fact a few behemoth Swift fan accounts with six digits in followers were recently sent to Instagram purgatory and deactivated for similar infractions including @in.that.taylor.haze and @tstourtips.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deactivate. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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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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