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

Summit County has deactivated its entire Flock system, and the sheriff said it won't be used for at least 30 days. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

In May 2024, it was reported that ASML now places a kill switch in its EUV machines that can be used to deactivate the machines remotely, to prevent an adversary from using them in the event of a hostile takeover. — Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

The account has been deactivated and was subsequently banned by the social media platform, which noted that the content of his livestream related to self-harm violated TikTok’s community guidelines. — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Landon deactivated her personal and campaign Facebook pages in June after the election. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026