ac·ti·vate ( k t -v t )tr.v. ac·ti·vat·ed, ac·ti·vat·ing, ac·ti·vates 1. To set in motion; make active or more active. 2. To organize or create (a military unit, for example): activate the National Guard. 3. To treat (sewage) with aeration and bacteria to aid decomposition. 4. Chemistry To accelerate a reaction in, as by heat. 5. Physics To make (a substance) radioactive. 6. Biology To convert (certain biological compounds) into biologically active derivatives.
ac ti·va tion n. ac ti·va tor n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Adj. | 1. | activated - (of sewage) treated with aeration and bacteria to aid decompositiontreated - subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent; "the sludge of treated sewage can be used as fertilizer"; "treated timbers resist rot"; "treated fabrics resist wrinkling" | | 2. | activated - (of e.g. a molecule) made reactive or more reactivereactive - participating readily in reactions; "sodium is a reactive metal"; "free radicals are very reactive" | | 3. | activated - rendered active; e.g. rendered radioactive or luminescent or photosensitive or conductiveactive - exerting influence or producing a change or effect; "an active ingredient" | | 4. | activated - (military) set up and placed on active assignment; "a newly activated unit"active - engaged in full-time work; "active duty"; "though past retirement age he is still active in his profession" |
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