WordGarden.ioactivate
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈæktəˌveɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to make something active, operative, or effective
to turn on or enable a device, account, feature, or software function
to trigger a gene, cell, chemical, muscle, or other process so it begins functioning or responding
More meaningsFewer meanings
to call a military reservist or unit into active service
Beyond the definition
To activate something means to make it start working or become active. You might activate an alarm system to protect your home or activate a new feature on your phone. It's like flipping a switch—you're moving something from rest into action. Think of a superhero needing a trigger to unleash their powers; that's activation at work. Sometimes it simply means making something ready for use, like activating a credit card before you can start spending.
At its core, to activate is to cause something to become functional or operative. It implies a transition from an inactive state to one of energy and purpose.
You might activate a security system by entering a code, activate your immune system through vaccination, or even activate dormant memories with a familiar scent. In technology, it's common to activate software or devices—often requiring a key or online connection to unlock their full potential. For example: "She activated the emergency beacon after the ship hit an iceberg."
But activation isn't always about machines or systems. It can also refer to stimulating something within yourself. A passionate speech might activate your sense of justice, or a beautiful piece of music could activate feelings of joy and wonder.
The context is key. While it often implies a deliberate action—like pressing a button—activate can also be used more broadly for starting a process (for example, activating a plan or protocol) or for a natural trigger, as when sunlight activates plant growth. So whether you're switching on a device, triggering a response, or setting events in motion, activate points to the moment something becomes active and effective.
Examples
- 1
Account setup
You need to activate your account before you can log in.
- 2
Device control
Press this button to activate the camera.
- 3
Automatic response
The lights activate automatically when someone walks into the room.
- 4
Emergency planning
We activated the emergency plan as soon as the storm changed direction.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
App settings
The app lets you activate dark mode with one tap.
- 6
Muscle exercise
Regular exercise helps activate the muscles around your hips and back.
- 7
Emotional reaction
Her speech activated old fears that she thought were gone.
- Patternactivate + fear/feeling
cause that feeling to become strong again
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- activate an account
- activate a device
- activate a feature
- activate the alarm
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- activateverb
Forms
- activatedpast tenseverb
- activating-ing formverb
- activatesverb