activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: such as
a(1)
: to make (something, such as a molecule) reactive or more reactive
(2)
: to convert (something, such as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative
b
: to make (a substance) radioactive
c
: to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to improve adsorptive properties
d(1)
: to set up or formally institute (an organized group, such as a military unit) with the necessary personnel and equipment
(2)
: to put (an individual or unit) on active duty
: to become active
Examples of activate in a Sentence
Touch the screen to activate the system.
activate and then deactivate a mechanism
The camera is activated by pushing a button.
The bomb was activated by remote control.
Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves.
vitamins that activate the growth of new cells
The President has activated the reserves.
Recent Examples on the Web
Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
—
Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
Carsley said during his spell as interim coach that White still had his ‘do not disturb’ status activated after Southgate’s departure last summer.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
The system can only be activated under certain driving conditions, requiring specific environmental and traffic criteria to be met.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
The discovery came after an alarm on a TSA body scanner was activated in the man’s groin area.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
Carsley said during his spell as interim coach that White still had his ‘do not disturb’ status activated after Southgate’s departure last summer.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
The system can only be activated under certain driving conditions, requiring specific environmental and traffic criteria to be met.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
The discovery came after an alarm on a TSA body scanner was activated in the man’s groin area.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for activate
Cite this Entry
“Activate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activate. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
activate
verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
1
: to make active
2
: to make (as molecules) more chemically active
3
: to make (a substance) give off radioactive particles, give off light at low temperatures, be easily affected by light, or carry an electric charge under the influence of light or other electromagnetic radiation
4
: to treat (as carbon or alumina) so as to improve the amount of adsorption
5
: to place on active military duty
activate the reserves
Medical Definition
activate
transitive verb
ac·ti·vate
ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
activated; activating
: to make active or more active: as
a
: to convert into a biologically active derivative or form
activated plasminogen
b
: to make biologically or molecularly active
activate protein synthesis
The [spinal] cord also contains neuronal circuits … that can be activated by incoming sensory signals without input from the brain …—John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
John W. McDonald et al., Scientific American
c
: to make (a substance) radioactive
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share