Activate: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "activate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ativar

🇮🇳 सक्रिय करना

🇩🇪 aktivieren

🇮🇩 mengaktifkan

🇺🇦 активувати

🇵🇱 aktywować

🇯🇵 アクティベートする

🇫🇷 activer

🇪🇸 activar

🇹🇷 etkinleştirmek

🇰🇷 활성화하다

🇸🇦 تفعيل

🇨🇿 aktivovat

🇸🇰 aktivovať

🇨🇳 激活

🇸🇮 aktivirati

🇮🇸 virkja

🇰🇿 белсендіру

🇬🇪 გააქტიურება

🇦🇿 aktivləşdirmək

🇲🇽 activar

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.

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11610 insolvency
11611 expend
11612 guarding
11613 activate
11614 enlarging
11615 villa
11616 disproportionate
...