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Activate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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activate

[ˈæktɪˌveɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in technology

To make a system or process start working, especially by pressing a button or moving a switch. It can also refer to making something become active or operational.

Synonyms

initiate, start, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
activate

Use when making something start working or being active, especially machinery, systems, or devices.

  • Activate the alarm system before you leave the house.
  • The new security protocol was activated at midnight.
trigger

Use when causing something to happen quickly or suddenly, often referring to reactions or responses, and can have a negative connotation.

  • The loud noise triggered a panic among the crowd.
  • His comments triggered an angry response from the audience.
initiate

Use to describe the beginning of a process or action, often one that involves a planned or organized effort.

  • The company initiated a new training program for employees.
  • The government will initiate discussions about the new policy next week.
start

Use as a general term for beginning any activity, task, or process.

  • Let's start the meeting on time.
  • He decided to start learning French.

Examples of usage

  • The technician will activate the alarm system before leaving the building.
  • After activating the new software, the computer ran much faster.
  • She activated the camera by pressing the button.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, enzymes are activated to help speed up chemical reactions necessary for life.
  • Activation energy is the minimum energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur, illustrating how energy can kick-start processes.

Technology

  • Software often requires activation to verify that it's a legitimate copy, preventing unauthorized use.
  • Smartphones and devices usually have an activation step before a user can access their features.

Everyday Usage

  • You might activate a gym membership, making you officially allowed to use the gym's facilities.
  • People can activate their creativity by trying new things or changing their routines, sparking new ideas.

Psychology

  • Activating memories can help in learning; recalling information helps strengthen the neural connections in our brain.
  • In therapy, certain techniques can be used to activate positive feelings and reactions, promoting mental well-being.

Origin of 'activate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'activus,' meaning 'doing' or 'moved by action.'
  • It became popular in English in the late 19th century, used primarily in technical and scientific contexts.

The word 'activate' originated from the Latin word 'activatus', which means 'to make active'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of activation has been present in various fields, from technology to biology, where it refers to the process of making something active or operational.

See also: act, acting, action, actionable, active, actively, activists, activity, actor, actress, acts, actual, counteractant, enact, inactivity, overact, react, transact.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,613, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.