definition of
activate

[1] #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] #2 activate v. make active or more active; "activate an old file". wn

[3] #3 activate v. make more adsorptive; "activate a metal". wn

[4] #4 activate v. [aerate] aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter. wn

[5] #5 activate v. make (substances) radioactive. wn