Actuate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈak-chə-ˌwāt/ ac·tu·ate

Meaning & Definition of Actuate

Actuate (verb)

  1. to put into mechanical action or motion
  2. to move to action

Actuate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to function

    "a light actuated by a motion detector"

    "the alarm system actuates the door locks"

    similar: activate, 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

  2. to set or keep in motion

    "hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear"

    similar: drive, impel, move, propel, work
    related: activate, motivate, provoke, abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set off, trigger, trip, arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame, inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate
    near: bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Actuate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Actuate:

activate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on, impel, propel, work

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Actuate

Words with the opposite meaning of Actuate:

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

Related Words for Actuate

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 Actuate

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress, bridle, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

Word Forms of Actuate

Inflections: actuated, actuating

Derived words: actuation (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Actuate

borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuātus, past participle of āctuāre "to actualize," verbal derivative of Latin āctus act:1

First known use: 1641

Frequently Asked Questions about Actuate

What does "Actuate" mean?

"Actuate" means to put into mechanical action or motion. As a verb, it is defined as: to put into mechanical action or motion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Actuate"?

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

What are different ways to say "Actuate"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Actuate". Common alternatives include activate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off and trigger.

What is the opposite of "Actuate"?

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

How do you use "Actuate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Actuate" in a sentence: "a light actuated by a motion detector"; "the alarm system actuates the door locks"; "hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear".

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

"Actuate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Actuate"?

"Actuate" is pronounced /ˈak-chə-ˌwāt/ and divided into syllables as ac·tu·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Actuate"?

"Actuate" comes from borrowed from Medieval Latin āctuātus, past participle of āctuāre "to actualize," verbal derivative of Latin āctus act:1. First known use: 1641.