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Deactivating: meaning, definitions and examples

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deactivating

 

[ diːˈæktɪveɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

technical process

Deactivating refers to the action of making something inactive or disabling its function. This term is often used in technical contexts, where systems or devices are turned off or rendered nonfunctional. The process can apply to software, machinery, or security systems. It implies the cessation of operations, ensuring that the system does not perform its intended tasks until reactivated.

Synonyms

disable, shut down, suspend, turn off.

Examples of usage

  • I am deactivating the alarm system before entering the building.
  • The technician is involved in deactivating the outdated software.
  • Please proceed with deactivating your account if you no longer wish to use the service.

Translations

Translations of the word "deactivating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desativando

🇮🇳 निष्क्रिय करना

🇩🇪 deaktivieren

🇮🇩 menonaktifkan

🇺🇦 деактивування

🇵🇱 dezaktywacja

🇯🇵 無効化

🇫🇷 désactivation

🇪🇸 desactivación

🇹🇷 devre dışı bırakma

🇰🇷 비활성화

🇸🇦 إلغاء التنشيط

🇨🇿 deaktivace

🇸🇰 deaktivácia

🇨🇳 停用

🇸🇮 deaktivacija

🇮🇸 óvirkjun

🇰🇿 деактивация

🇬🇪 დეორგანიზება

🇦🇿 deaktivasiya

🇲🇽 desactivación

Etymology

The origin of the word 'deactivate' can be traced back to the prefix 'de-', which comes from Latin meaning 'down from' or 'removal,' combined with the root 'activate', which stems from the Latin 'activus', meaning 'active'. The term 'activate' emerged in the English language around the early 19th century, gaining usage in scientific and technical texts relating to chemical reactions and mechanical functions. As technology advanced through the 20th century, the term 'deactivate' began to be widely used in various fields, particularly in computer science and security. It conveys a important concept in control systems, often associated with safety protocols and the management of devices. The functional adaptability of 'deactivating' continues to evolve, especially with the increased reliance on digital technology, where the need to manage active and inactive states of software applications is crucial.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,707, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.