# activate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈæktɪˌveɪt/ · frequency rank #10,159

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

## Etymology
From active + -ate.

## Easily confused with
- **active** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/activate-vs-active)
- **activity** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/activate-vs-activity)
- **activator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/activate-vs-activator)

## Common misspellings (11)
`acctivate`, `acitvate`, `actiavte`, `activaet`, `activatte`, `activtae`, `activvate`, `acttivate`, `actviate`, `atcivate`, `cativate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/activate