activate

/'æktiveit/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
activate

He activates the security system with a keypad.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To make active or functional: To cause something to start operating, working, or reacting.
    • To initiate a process: To set in motion or trigger a specific action, reaction, or series of events.
    • (Chemistry/Physics) To make reactive or radioactive: To treat a substance so that it becomes chemically or physically active.
Usage
  • General Use: To start a device, system, or process.
    • You must activate your new credit card by calling the bank.
    • The alarm is activated by motion.
  • Scientific/Technical Use: To induce a chemical or physical change.
    • The enzyme activates the reaction.
    • The process activates the carbon, making it highly adsorbent.
Advanced Usage
  • "to activate a mechanism": to initiate the operation of a mechanical or electronic system.
    • Pulling the lever activates the emergency brake.
  • "to activate a response": to trigger a biological or psychological reaction.
    • The vaccine activates the body's immune system.
Variants and Related Words
  • Activation (n): The process of making something active or operative.
    • The activation of the software requires a license key.
  • Activator (n): A substance or device that causes activation.
    • This chemical serves as a catalyst activator.
  • Active (adj): Functioning or operating; in a state of action.
    • Keep the application active in the background.
  • Deactivate (v): To make inactive or dysfunctional; the opposite of activate.
    • Please deactivate your old security pass.
Synonyms
  • Trigger: To cause something to start.
  • Initiate: To cause a process or action to begin.
  • Enable: To make something operational.
  • Stimulate: To encourage something into activity.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Activate against: (Specialized) To initiate a defensive or offensive action targeting something.
    • The immune cells were activated against the virus.
Related Idioms
  • Activate the troops: (Military) To mobilize soldiers or units for action.
    • The general gave the order to activate the troops.
  • Activate a plan: To put a pre-arranged strategy into action.
    • In case of fire, activate the evacuation plan immediately.
activate

He activates the security system with a keypad.

Verb
  1. make (substances) radioactive
  2. aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
  3. make more adsorptive
    • activate a metal
  4. make active or more active
    • activate an old file
  5. put in motion or move to act
    • trigger a reaction
    • actuate the circuits