as in to kill
to cause to stop functioning
deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deactivate
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2026
Access to the full code would allow users to make meaningful changes to how their TVs work, including limiting ads or deactivating automatic content recognition.
—ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Chana’s research team discovered a molecular glue, CLEO4-88, that can deactivate proteins rather than destroy them.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes.com, 16 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
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2026
Access to the full code would allow users to make meaningful changes to how their TVs work, including limiting ads or deactivating automatic content recognition.
—ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Chana’s research team discovered a molecular glue, CLEO4-88, that can deactivate proteins rather than destroy them.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes.com, 16 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
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deactivate
Verb
-
In recent months security forces have killed a string of top Maoists and the rank-and-file are laying down their weapons.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
At the same time that the GKN situation was unraveling, the rupture of a chemical tank containing a different chemical mixture killed 11 people at a paper mill in Washington state.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The driver of a Ford Escape steered to the right and braked hard but was unable to avoid a collision with the Kia in the right shoulder and right lane area of the highway, according to the warrant affidavit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
9 June 2026
-
And for the first time this season, the cars wrecked completely flat-out; with no long straights and plenty of braking zones, the cars were not energy-limited for once this season.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Will my electricity be shut off during California heat wave?—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
The Windsor Locks Fire Department quickly responded to shut off the water and prevent further damage.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deactivate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
