Synonyms of deactivate

deactivate

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 

as in to kill

to cause to stop functioning

deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kill
• brake
• shut off
• stick
• turn off
• dismantle
• phase out
• halt
• cut off
• jam
• flick (off)
• arrest
• mothball
• stall
• draw up
• chock

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• activate
• move
• start
• trigger
• run
• drive
• power
• set off
• generate
• turn on
• propel
• push
• spark
• charge
• actuate
• fire
• fuel
• switch
• release
• launch
• crank (up)
• touch off
• discharge
• trip
• energize
• electrify
• reactivate
• recharge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deactivate

On December 22nd, the Arc browser won’t be accessible on macOS or Windows, Arc accounts will be deactivated, and Arc Search for Android will be removed from Google Play. — Jay Peters, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026

The next day, journalists found their passes had been deactivated. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

The settings screen contains buttons to activate or deactivate the lights, motion detection, motion alerts, and the siren. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

Technical standards and checkpoints help ensure AI systems are monitored continuously and can be audited or deactivated when risks emerge. — Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026