Inactivate: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫
Add to dictionary

inactivate

 

[ ɪnˈæktɪveɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

make inactive

To inactivate means to render something non-functional or ineffective. This can refer to biological processes, such as inactivating a virus or enzyme, making them incapable of performing their usual functions. In a broader context, inactivation can apply to various systems, including machinery and technological applications, where a device or component is turned off or no longer operational. Inactivation is often a desired result in scientific experiments, treatments, or safety protocols.

Synonyms

deactivate, disable, neutralize, suspend.

Examples of usage

  • The scientist had to inactivate the enzyme before starting the experiment.
  • To ensure safety, we need to inactivate the machine during maintenance.
  • The vaccine aims to inactivate the virus without causing disease.

Translations

Translations of the word "inactivate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desativar

🇮🇳 निष्क्रिय करना

🇩🇪 deaktivieren

🇮🇩 menonaktifkan

🇺🇦 деактивувати

🇵🇱 dezaktywować

🇯🇵 無効にする

🇫🇷 désactiver

🇪🇸 desactivar

🇹🇷 devre dışı bırakmak

🇰🇷 비활성화하다

🇸🇦 إلغاء تنشيط

🇨🇿 deaktivovat

🇸🇰 deaktivovať

🇨🇳 禁用

🇸🇮 deaktivirati

🇮🇸 óvirkja

🇰🇿 белсенділігін жою

🇬🇪 დეორგანიზება

🇦🇿 aktiv etməmək

🇲🇽 desactivar

Etymology

The term 'inactivate' derives from the prefix 'in-', meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', combined with 'activate'. The root 'activate' comes from Latin 'activare', which translates to 'to make active', from 'actus', meaning 'a doing, a process, or a state of being'. The evolution of the term occurred in the context of science and technology where it became necessary to describe processes that cut off functionality or effectiveness in various elements—from biological agents to mechanical devices. The term has been utilized in fields such as microbiology, pharmacology, and engineering, emphasizing the importance of control and safety in functional systems. Its usage has increased with advancements in biotechnology and safety protocols, particularly during experimental and clinical procedures.