activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: such as
a(1)
: to make (something, such as a molecule) reactive or more reactive
(2)
: to convert (something, such as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative
b
: to make (a substance) radioactive
c
: to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties
d(1)
: to set up or formally institute (an organized group, such as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment
(2)
: to put (an individual or unit) on active duty
: to become active
Synonyms
Examples of activate in a Sentence
Touch the screen to activate the system.
activate and then deactivate a mechanism
The camera is activated by pushing a button.
The bomb was activated by remote control.
Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves.
vitamins that activate the growth of new cells
The President has activated the reserves.
Recent Examples on the Web
The same functions also can be activated with hotkeys.
—
Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Also, activate the find my device feature, which is available for both iOS and Android.
—Kelvin Chan, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Researchers found that during such an experience, some of these LAAs were activated; re-activating the LAAs in a different environment appeared to stimulate recall of the memory and associated learning.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
As of Tuesday morning, 252 National Guard members were activated in 15 states, and another 87 were on standby in three states and Washington, D.C.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for activate 
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.
Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Also, activate the find my device feature, which is available for both iOS and Android.
—Kelvin Chan, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Researchers found that during such an experience, some of these LAAs were activated; re-activating the LAAs in a different environment appeared to stimulate recall of the memory and associated learning.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
As of Tuesday morning, 252 National Guard members were activated in 15 states, and another 87 were on standby in three states and Washington, D.C.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for activate
Dictionary Entries Near activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
1
: to make active
2
: to make (as molecules) more chemically active
3
: to make (a substance) give off radioactive particles, give off light at low temperatures, be easily affected by light, or carry an electric charge under the influence of light or other electromagnetic radiation
4
: to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve the amount of adsorption
5
: to place on active military duty
activate the reserves
Medical Definition
activate
transitive verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: as
a
: to convert into a biologically active derivative or form
activated plasminogen
b
: to make biologically or molecularly active
activate protein synthesis
The [spinal] cord also contains neuronal circuits … that can be activated by incoming sensory signals without input from the brain …—John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share