actuate
verb
ac·tu·ate
ˈak-chə-ˌwāt 
-shə-
actuated; actuating
1
: to put into mechanical action or motion
The pump is actuated by the windmill.
2
: to move to action
a decision actuated by greed
Synonyms
Examples of actuate in a Sentence
The pump is actuated by the windmill.
a light actuated by a motion detector
Recent Examples on the Web
To enable more precise adjustments, the bike has twin throttle bodies with each pair of cylinders actuated independently.
—
New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024
When Lange released a chronograph variation in 2023, these pushers were repurposed to actuate the timing functions.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2024
Further, some mechanical switches require little force and/or travel to actuate, which can also help with speed and the amount of energy exerted while typing.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for actuate 
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New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2024
When Lange released a chronograph variation in 2023, these pushers were repurposed to actuate the timing functions.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2024
Further, some mechanical switches require little force and/or travel to actuate, which can also help with speed and the amount of energy exerted while typing.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
And a story was planted that Nazi Germany actuated the Katyn Massacre in 1940.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for actuate
Dictionary Entries Near actuate
Cite this Entry
“Actuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actuate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
actuate
verb
ac·tu·ate
ˈak-chə-ˌwāt
-shə-
actuated; actuating
1
: to put into action
the windmill actuates the pump
2
: to arouse to action
actuated by the hope of winning
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