Activate

Definition

Activate refers to the action of making something active or operational. It can involve starting a process, initiating functionality, or enabling a state of activity in an object or system.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/
• Respelling: AK-tuh-vayt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/
• Respelling: AK-tuh-vayt

The pronunciation of "activate" is the same in both American and British English, with slight variations in accent.

Etymology

The word "activate" derives from the Latin word "activus," meaning "active." The verb form "activate" was first recorded in English in the early 20th century, combining "active" with the suffix "-ate" to form a verb.

Derivatives

• Activation (noun)
• Activator (noun)
• Reactivate (verb)
• Deactivation (noun)
• Deactivator (noun)

Synonyms

• Initiate
• Enable
• Trigger

Antonyms

• Deactivate
• Disable
• Halt

Usage

The term "activate" is commonly used in contexts involving technology, processes, or systems where an object or feature is enabled or put into operation. For example, "She pressed the button to activate the machine," or "The alarm system is activated automatically at night."

Related Terms

• Activation: The process of making something active or operational.
• Actuator: A mechanism that causes a machine or device to operate.
• Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; often used when describing the capacity of software or devices.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To make something active or operational: Refers to enabling a function or causing a system to start working.
  • Example: "The engineer activated the emergency protocol to prevent further damage."
• To initiate a chemical or biological process: In scientific contexts, it refers to triggering a reaction or effect in substances or cells.
  • Example: "The enzyme was activated by heat, speeding up the reaction."