activate

verb

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus ▲ Ancient Greek ἐνεργητῐκός (energētĭkós)sl. Latin āctīvusbor. Old French actifbor. Middle English actyf English active Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂tos Proto-Italic *-ātos Latin -ātuslbor. English -ate English activate From active + -ate.

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

   “activate the economy”

2. 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. To render more reactive; excite.
4. To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
5. To render a substance radioactive.
6. To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
7. To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
8. To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
9. To organize or create a military unit or station.

   “A new squadron was activated.”

10. To bring a player back after an injury.