Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action or process of making something active or operative: "Activation" refers to causing a system, device, or process to start functioning.
   • The state of becoming active or reactive: In chemistry and biology, it describes the process of making a substance or molecule reactive or of stimulating a biological function.
   • The act of energizing or stimulating: It can denote the process of providing the impetus or energy needed for an activity to commence.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The activation of the new security system requires a special code.
  • Enzyme activation is a crucial step in many metabolic pathways.
  • The software remains dormant until its activation by the user.

Advanced Usage

• "Activation energy": (Chemistry) The minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

  • A catalyst lowers the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed.

• "Activation function": (Computing, Neural Networks) A function in an artificial neuron that determines its output based on its input.

  • The ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit) is a common activation function in deep learning.

• "To be subject to activation": To be in a state where it can be or needs to be made active.

  • Your account is pending and will be subject to activation within 24 hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Activate (verb): To make active or operative.

  • Please activate your account by clicking the link in the email.

• Active (adjective): Engaged in action; functioning.

  • The volcano is still active.

• Activator (noun): A substance or agent that causes activation.

  • This protein acts as a gene activator.

Synonyms

• Initiation: The action of beginning something.
• Triggering: Causing a device or process to start.
• Stimulation: Raising levels of physiological or nervous activity.

Related Phrases

• Activation key/code: A unique sequence used to activate software or a service.

  • You must enter the activation key to use the full version of the program.

• Activation fee: A charge for starting a service.

  • There is a one-time activation fee for the new phone line.

Related Idioms

• To set in motion: To start a process. (This is a conceptual synonym, not a direct idiom with "activation").
  • The new policy will set in motion a series of reforms.

Noun

1. making active and effective (as a bomb)
2. the activity of causing to have energy and be active
3. stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical