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
Aubrey Police said this led them to activate its Special Operations Response Team.
—
Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The department has signed a 10-year, $120 million contact with Axon that gives them options to purchase an array of high-tech gear, from drones to non-lethal Taser weapons that activate body cameras when pulled from holsters.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
Power comes from a 700-Wh battery, while regenerative braking – activated simply by back-pedaling – can recover enough energy to extend range by up to 25%, according to ICE.
—Omar Kardoudi
april 20, New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently admitted the economy was performing below his expectations, and urged his top economic officials to activate growth.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
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Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The department has signed a 10-year, $120 million contact with Axon that gives them options to purchase an array of high-tech gear, from drones to non-lethal Taser weapons that activate body cameras when pulled from holsters.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
Power comes from a 700-Wh battery, while regenerative braking – activated simply by back-pedaling – can recover enough energy to extend range by up to 25%, according to ICE.
—Omar Kardoudi
april 20, New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently admitted the economy was performing below his expectations, and urged his top economic officials to activate growth.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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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