activate Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

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