activate
gb/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/ us/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
B1
English
~ 4400
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Start something working
To make a machine, system, or process start working.
Usage pattern:
to activate [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'activate' with 'open' when talking about starting services. For example, 'open my account' instead of 'activate my account'.
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.)
Collocations
activate an account
|activate a device
|activate the alarm
|activate software
|activate a feature
Themes
technology
|daily life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You need to activate your new credit card before using it.
- The technician activated the security system remotely.
- 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.
- Press the button to activate the light.
- We need to activate the alarm at night.
Verb
technical
B2
action
2
Trigger a process in science
To make a process in science begin or become stronger.
Usage pattern:
to activate [a process/reaction/cell]
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.)
Collocations
activate enzymes
|activate immune response
|activate a reaction
Themes
science
|medicine
|technology
Examples
- This drug activates certain receptors in the brain.
- Heat activates the yeast, causing the dough to rise.
- The vaccine activates the body's immune system.
Learner examples
- The heat will activate the yeast.
- This medicine will activate your immune system.
- Light can activate some chemicals.
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.