# activator

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #37,789

## Definitions
1. One who, or that which, activates.
2. Something that activates a catalyst
3. Any chemical or agent which regulates one or more genes by increasing the rate of transcription.
4. A type of effector that increases the rate of enzyme-mediated reactions.
5. A type of dopant used in phosphors and scintillators.
6. An agent that enables the flotation of a mineral or minerals.
7. A hand-held device that delivers a controlled fast thrust to a joint, muscle, etc., to help stimulate nervous system activity.

## Etymology
From activate + -or.

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

## Common misspellings (13)
`acctivator`, `acitvator`, `actiavtor`, `activaotr`, `activatorr`, `activatro`, `activattor`, `activtaor`, `activvator`, `acttivator`, `actviator`, `atcivator`, `cativator`

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