as in to kill
to cause to stop functioning
deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
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Recent Examples of deactivate
This higher temperature darkens the paste, slightly caramelizes the sugar, and deactivates enzymes that would otherwise break down pectin, resulting in a thicker, more cooked-tasting product.
—
Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Here’s how to deactivate a Hide My Email address.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Much of its website has been deactivated since the closures became public.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
The movement features the brand’s signature wandering hours display with 3-D retrograde minutes, as well as a dual turbine system that regulates—or can even deactivate—automatic winding.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
Here’s how to deactivate a Hide My Email address.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Much of its website has been deactivated since the closures became public.
—Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 1 Jan. 2026
The movement features the brand’s signature wandering hours display with 3-D retrograde minutes, as well as a dual turbine system that regulates—or can even deactivate—automatic winding.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deactivate
Verb
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Iranian authorities have blocked access to the internet, arrested thousands and killed hundreds of protesters.—
Narges Bajoghli,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In cars, they’re used to connect the battery to motors, for lights and sensors, for braking systems, airbag controllers, entertainment systems and electric windows.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
31 Dec. 2025
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Drivers should slow down significantly while accelerating and braking gradually.—
Brian Sherrod,
CBS News,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Officials cut off the country's internet on Thursday, effectively shutting off Iran from the outside world.—
Haley Ott,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
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San Marcos Electric Utilities has also shut off power to the building as a precaution, a public safety representative told MySA.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deactivate. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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