activate (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈæktɪveɪt/

Definition

To make something active or operative; to start a process or function.

Examples

• You need to activate your new credit card before you can use it for purchases.

• The alarm system will activate automatically at midnight.

• Scientists are trying to activate dormant genes to understand their function.

How to Use activate

activate something (collocation)

to make something start working — "The remote control can activate the television from across the room."

activate a system (collocation)

to turn on a complex set of functions — "The engineers worked all night to activate the new security system."

activate a response (collocation)

to cause a reaction or action — "Certain stimuli can activate a fight-or-flight response in animals."

Synonyms of activate

Words with a similar meaning to activate:

• start
• turn on
• initiate
• trigger
• enable

Antonyms of activate

Words with the opposite meaning to activate:

• deactivate
• disable
• inhibit

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