activate
UK: ˈæktɪveɪt | US: ˈæktəveɪt
vt. to make something active or functional
vt. to start a process or reaction
vt. (chemistry/biology) to trigger a molecular or cellular response
Derived from Latin activus (active) + -ate, the word "activate" entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning "to make active." It gained scientific usage in the 19th century, particularly in chemistry and biology, to describe initiating reactions or processes. The morphemes preserve their original Latin logic: activ (energy/action) + -ate (cause to become).
The sensor will activate when motion is detected.
Enzymes help activate chemical reactions in the body.
Press the button to activate the emergency alarm.
Sunlight can activate certain pigments in the skin.
The software requires a license key to activate full features.