Activated

/ˈækt.ɪ.veɪ.tənd/

verbIntermediate🔥Very CommonTechnology
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

cause (a device or system) to start operating

/ˈækt.ɪ.veɪ.t/

verbneutralIntermediate
Technology

make (something) function or begin to function

The security system was activated when she entered the building.

More Examples

2

The new software will activate once you restart your computer.

How It's Used

General

"The fire alarm was activated when smoke was detected."

From Latin 'activus' and French 'activé', both meaning 'active'.

Historically, 'activate' was used in scientific and military contexts.

Memory tip

Think of an 'activated' alarm as something that's working and alerting you.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"active"

activate a deviceactivate a system

Common misspellings

aktivatedaktivateddactivatedd

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written