Deactivate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ de·ac·ti·vate

Meaning & Definition of Deactivate

Deactivate (verb)

  1. to make inactive or ineffective

Deactivate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to stop functioning

    "deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock"

    similar: kill, shut off, turn off
    related: flick (off), dismantle, mothball, phase out, arrest, brake, chock, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick
    opposite: activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on
    near: charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Deactivate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Deactivate:

kill, shut off, turn off

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Deactivate

Words with the opposite meaning of Deactivate:

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

Related Words for Deactivate

flick (off), dismantle, mothball, phase out, arrest, brake, chock, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick

Near Antonyms of Deactivate

charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge

Word Forms of Deactivate

Inflections: deactivated, deactivating, deactivates

Derived words: deactivation (noun), deactivator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Deactivate

First known use: 1920

Frequently Asked Questions about Deactivate

What does "Deactivate" mean?

"Deactivate" means to make inactive or ineffective. As a verb, it is defined as: to make inactive or ineffective.

What is another word for "Deactivate"?

Other words for "Deactivate" include kill, shut off and turn off. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Deactivate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Deactivate"?

There are 16 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Deactivate". Common alternatives include kill, shut off and turn off.

What is the opposite of "Deactivate"?

Antonyms of "Deactivate" include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, propel, run and set off. Near antonyms include charge, electrify, energize and fire.

How do you use "Deactivate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Deactivate" in a sentence: "deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock".

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

"Deactivate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Deactivate"?

"Deactivate" is pronounced /(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ and divided into syllables as de·ac·ti·vate.

What is the origin of the word "Deactivate"?

First known use: 1920.