Activating
/ˈæktɪveɪtɪŋ/
verbIntermediate📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 question
Definitions
1
To make something start working or functioning.
/ˈæktɪveɪtɪŋ/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To make something active or operative.
She activated the alarm system.
💡 Simply: To turn something on or start it.
More Examples
2
The drug activates certain receptors in the brain.
How It's Used
Technology
"The user is activating the software by clicking the icon."
Biology
"The enzyme is activating the metabolic process."
From the verb "activate", ultimately derived from the Latin "activāre", meaning "to make active."
The word's usage has broadened from primarily scientific contexts to encompass a wider range of applications in modern technology.
Memory tip
Think of 'active' - activating makes something become active.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"to make active"
Base: activate
activating enzymesactivating a processactivating a device
Common misspellings
activatngactivatinggactiveting
Practice
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written