activates

Verb

activate (third-person singular simple present activates, present participle activating, simple past and past participle activated)

1. (transitive) To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
   • activate the economy
2. (transitive) To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.
   • The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.
3. (transitive) To render more reactive; excite.
4. (transitive) To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
5. (transitive) To render a substance radioactive.
6. (transitive) To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.

See all 11 meanings of activate