To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.
"The new policy aims to activate local entrepreneurship by providing small business grants and mentorship programs."
In plain English: To activate something means to turn it on so that it starts working.
"Please activate the alarm before you leave the house."
Usage: Use activate when you mean to start something dormant, such as turning on a device or triggering a chemical reaction. Avoid using it interchangeably with words like enable unless the specific action involves initiating an inactive state into motion.
Example Sentences
"Please activate the alarm before you leave the house."verb
"Please press the button to activate the alarm system before leaving the house."verb
"She forgot to activate her credit card after moving to a new city."verb
"The special offer will automatically activate on your account once you make your first purchase."verb