#1
activate v. [
trip, actuate, trigger, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off] put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits"
. wn #2
activate v. make active or more active; "activate an old file"
. wn #3
activate v. make more adsorptive; "activate a metal"
. wn #4
activate v. [
aerate] aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
. wn #5
activate v. make (substances) radioactive
. wn