activate

[ˈæktɪˌveɪt]

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activated - activate

An activate is an action that makes something start working or happens.

When you think about getting something activated, it's like turning on a light switch - suddenly things start moving! For example, if your bank account is activated, it means they've made it ready to use. Or, when a new employee joins the company and their account gets activated, it means all their permissions are set up so they can access the system. Sometimes, you might need to activate something like a phone plan or a video game subscription - it's like giving yourself permission to enjoy those services. When an app is activated on your phone, it starts doing its thing.

How common is "activate"?

Word activate is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.
To render more reactive; excite.
To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
To render a substance radioactive.
To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
To organize or create a military unit or station.
To bring a player back after an injury.