activate activate /ˈækˌtɪveɪt/

verb

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