activate
gb/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/ us/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
B1
English
~ 4400
aktivál, bekapcsol, elindít
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to activate [something]
You need to activate your new credit card before using it.
Használat előtt aktiválnod kell az új hitelkártyádat.
The technician activated the security system remotely.
A technikus távolról aktiválta a biztonsági rendszert.
Press this button to activate the machine.
They activated the emergency protocol after the alarm went off.
Learner examples
Please activate the phone before you use it.
Kérlek, aktiváld a telefont, mielőtt használod.
Press the button to activate the light.
Nyomd meg a gombot, hogy bekapcsold a lámpát.
We need to activate the alarm at night.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'activate' with 'open' when talking about starting services. For example, 'open my account' instead of 'activate my account'.
Meaning
Start something working
Collocations
activate an account
|activate a device
|activate the alarm
|activate software
|activate a feature
Synonyms
start (More general; can apply to any activity, not just devices or systems.)
|
initiate (More formal; often used in technical or official contexts.)
Antonyms
deactivate (Means to make something stop working or turn it off.)
|
disable (Means to make something unable to work.)
Themes
technology
|daily life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make a machine, system, or process start working.
To cause a device, system, or process to begin operating or functioning.
VERB
B2
TECHNICAL
2
aktivál
B2
Usage pattern:
to activate [a process/reaction/cell]
This drug activates certain receptors in the brain.
Ez a gyógyszer bizonyos receptorokat aktivál az agyban.
Heat activates the yeast, causing the dough to rise.
A hő aktiválja az élesztőt, és ettől a tészta megkel.
The vaccine activates the body's immune system.
Learner examples
The heat will activate the yeast.
A hő aktiválja majd az élesztőt.
This medicine will activate your immune system.
Ez a gyógyszer aktiválja majd az immunrendszeredet.
Light can activate some chemicals.
Meaning
Trigger a process in science
Collocations
activate enzymes
|activate immune response
|activate a reaction
Synonyms
stimulate (Often used in biology; suggests encouraging activity rather than simply starting it.)
Antonyms
inhibit (Means to slow down or prevent a process from happening.)
Themes
science
|medicine
|technology
Definition
To make a process in science begin or become stronger.
To cause a biological, chemical, or physical process to start functioning or increase in activity.
Grammar
Dictionary form
activate
IPA
GB/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
US/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
ac - tiv - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ac)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: activate
- 3rd Person Singular: activates
- Present Participle: activating
- Past: activated
Word family
Forms
activates
verb
activating
verb
activated
verb
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
deactivation
noun
reactivation
noun
Expressions
activate an account
1/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt ən əkˈaʊnt/
fixed phrase
Enable an account for use
To make an online or bank account ready so you can use it.
Examples
- You must activate your account before logging in for the first time.
- Follow the email link to activate your new account.
activate the alarm
1/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt ðə əlˈɑɹm/
fixed phrase
Turn on an alarm system
To make an alarm system start working or be ready to work.
Examples
- Don't forget to activate the alarm before leaving the house.
- The guard activated the alarm when he saw movement on the cameras.