activate
[ ak-tuh-veyt ]
/ ˈæk təˌveɪt /
verb (used with object), ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing.
to make active; cause to function or act.
Physics.
- to render more reactive; excite: to activate a molecule.
- to induce radioactivity.
to aerate (sewage) in order to accelerate decomposition of impure organic matter by microorganisms.
Chemistry.
- to make (carbon, a catalyst, molecules, etc.) more active.
- to hasten (reactions) by various means, as heating.
to place (a military unit or station) on an active status in an assigned capacity.
SYNONYMS FOR activate
OTHER WORDS FROM activate
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British Dictionary definitions for activate
activate
/ (ˈæktɪˌveɪt) /
verb (tr)
to make active or capable of action
physics
to make radioactive
chem
- to increase the rate of (a reaction)
- to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption
physiol
to prepare by arousal (the body or one of its organs (e.g. the brain)) for action
to purify (sewage) by aeration
US military
to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit)