Words / B2

AKT-iv-ayt/ˈæktɪveɪt/

To activate is to make a device, account, or process start working: activate the alarm, activate a card. Switch on and turn on are everyday for machines; enable is a close technical cousin. Activation is the noun. In speech, switch it on / get it working is enough. Activate sounds official or digital. Do not use it for waking a person — that is wake, not activate.

Meaning

To make something start working.

Examples

• “You need a code to activate the account.”
• “Scan the QR code to activate the visitor pass at the gate.”
• “The new smoke detectors activate only when the kitchen is actually smoky, not when toast is done.”

Good to know

Make it start working. Everyday: switch on / turn on. Noun: activation. Technical/official tone. Not for waking people.

Near in meaning

switch on

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