Activate (Verb)
Meaning 1
Put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits".
Classification
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing.
Examples
- A single push of the button would activate the alarm system throughout the building.
- The sensor will activate the sprinkler when the temperature exceeds a certain level.
- The keycard is required to activate the electronic lock and gain access to the restricted area.
- The company's new marketing strategy is designed to activate consumer interest in their products.
- The enzyme's presence is necessary to activate the metabolic process in the cell.
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Meaning 2
Aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The wastewater treatment plant was designed to activate the biological process that breaks down organic matter in sewage.
- Oxygen was pumped into the sludge to activate the microorganisms that decompose waste.
- To activate the aerobic digestion process, the sewage lagoon was equipped with a mechanical aerator.
- The presence of oxygen helped activate the microbial community responsible for decomposing organic waste.
- The facility used a combination of aeration and mixing to activate the biological treatment process in their sewage system.
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Meaning 3
Make (substances) radioactive.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- Researchers carefully handle the equipment used to activate the sample, making it radioactive for further study.
- The scientists employed a process that would activate the metal, making it slightly radioactive and easier to analyze.
- Placing the substance in close proximity to the neutron source activates it, producing a weak radioactive signal.
- Activating these elements requires precise control over high-energy particle beams to produce the desired radioactive isotopes.
- In the lab, they learned how to activate specific compounds, turning them into radioactive materials that could be safely handled and used for research.
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Meaning 4
Make more adsorptive; "activate a metal".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The surface of the metal catalyst was activated with oxygen to increase its reactivity.
- Activating the metal with acid improved its ability to adsorb and break down pollutants.
- To activate the catalyst, the metal was first heated in a flowing stream of air.
- Researchers successfully activated the surface of the metal by modifying it with a thin layer of nanoparticles.
- Treating the metal with a specialized solution serves to activate its adsorptive properties, making it a more effective material for gas separation.
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Meaning 5
Make active or more active; "activate an old file".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The startup plans to activate its new customer loyalty program next quarter.
- To activate the software, you need to enter your license key.
- The new policy aims to activate dormant economic growth in rural areas.
- Water and sunlight activate the photoreceptors in plant cells, promoting photosynthesis.
- Clicking the link will activate a video tutorial on how to use the machine safely.