activate
word
/ˈæktəˌveɪt/
AK-tuh-vayt
/ˈæktɪvˌeɪt/
AK-ti-vayt
Definition
To make something start working or begin to function, often by turning it on or starting a process.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in technical, scientific, or digital contexts (activate an account/device/alarm). More formal than 'turn on'. Common collocations: 'activate your account', 'activate the alarm', 'activate a feature'. Not used for lights/electronic appliances in everyday talk—use 'turn on' instead.
Spanish: activarPortuguese (BR): ativarPortuguese (PT): ativarChinese (Simplified): 激活 - 启动Chinese (Traditional): 啟動 - 激活Hindi: सक्रिय करनाArabic: تفعيلBengali: সক্রিয় করাRussian: активироватьJapanese: 有効化する - アクティベートするVietnamese: kích hoạtKorean: 활성화하다Turkish: etkinleştirmekUrdu: فعال کرناIndonesian: mengaktifkan
Example Sentences
Please activate your account by clicking the link.
basic
How do I activate the alarm system?
basic
You need to activate the new SIM card.
basic
It takes only a minute to activate the new feature on your phone.
natural
Make sure you activate your travel insurance before leaving.
natural
Did you remember to activate airplane mode before takeoff?
natural