Activate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ ac·ti·vate

Meaning & Definition of Activate

Activate (verb)

  1. to make active or more active
  2. to make (something, such as a molecule) reactive or more reactive
  3. to convert (something, such as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative

Activate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to function

    "the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees"

    similar: actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on
    related: kick over, turn over, charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up, accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up
    opposite: cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off
    near: arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Activate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Activate:

actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Activate

Words with the opposite meaning of Activate:

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

Related Words for Activate

kick over, turn over, charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up, accelerate

Near Antonyms of Activate

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Word Forms of Activate

Inflections: activated, activating

Derived words: activation (noun), activator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Activate

active:1 + -ate:4, probably as adaptation of French activer, going back to Middle French, derivative of actif active:1

First known use: 1624t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Activate

Frequently Asked Questions about Activate

What does "Activate" mean?

"Activate" means to make active or more active. As a verb, it is defined as: to make active or more active.

What is another word for "Activate"?

Other words for "Activate" include actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark and start. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Activate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Activate"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Activate". Common alternatives include actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off and trigger.

What is the opposite of "Activate"?

Antonyms of "Activate" include cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off and turn off. Near antonyms include arrest, brake, check and cut off.

How do you use "Activate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Activate" in a sentence: "the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees".

Is "Activate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Activate" is a verb.

Is "Activate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Activate" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Activate"?

"Activate" is pronounced /ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ and divided into syllables as ac·ti·vate.