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, 10 May 2026
Derrek Miranda, the man behind the Whitewallstuntz social media accounts that gained popularity in the last year documenting Los Angeles’ underbelly, said his Instagram account was deactivated after posting a video of the April 25 speed run.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
The registration needs to be completed in 25 days, or the Starlink service will be deactivated, the pop-up says.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
When placed in front of him, the child either cowers backward in fear and sighs with relief when it's turned off or uses the Force to deactivate it.
—Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026
Derrek Miranda, the man behind the Whitewallstuntz social media accounts that gained popularity in the last year documenting Los Angeles’ underbelly, said his Instagram account was deactivated after posting a video of the April 25 speed run.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
The registration needs to be completed in 25 days, or the Starlink service will be deactivated, the pop-up says.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
When placed in front of him, the child either cowers backward in fear and sighs with relief when it's turned off or uses the Force to deactivate it.
—Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 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 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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