Activation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ ac·ti·vate

Meaning & Definition of Activation

Activation (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

Activation (noun)

  1. neutron activation analysis
  2. the minimum amount of energy required to convert a normal stable molecule into a reactive molecule
  3. an analytical method used to determine the chemical elements comprising a material by bombarding it with neutrons to produce radioactive atoms whose emissions are indicative of the elements present —called also neutron activation

Activation (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 Activation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Activation:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Activation

Words with the opposite meaning of Activation:

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

Related Words for Activation

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 Activation

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

Word Forms of Activation

Inflections: activated, activating

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

Origin & Etymology of Activation

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 Activation

Words & Phrases Containing Activation

activation analysis, activation energy, neutron activation analysis

Frequently Asked Questions about Activation

What does "Activation" mean?

"Activation" means to make active or more active. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to make active or more active.

What is another word for "Activation"?

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

What are different ways to say "Activation"?

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

What is the opposite of "Activation"?

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

How do you use "Activation" in a sentence?

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

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

"Activation" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

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

As a C1-level word, "Activation" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Activation"?

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