Definition of "activate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.

   • activate the economy

2. (transitive) To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.

   • The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.

3. (transitive, chemistry, physics) To render more reactive; excite.

4. (transitive, biology) To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.

5. (transitive, physics) To render a substance radioactive.

6. (transitive, chemistry) To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.

7. (transitive, computing, software) To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.

8. (transitive) To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.

9. (transitive, military) To organize or create a military unit or station.

   • A new squadron was activated.

10. (transitive, sports) To bring a player back after an injury.