activate

/ˈæktɪveɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæktɪveɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈak-tə-ˌvāt/ (ame, mw)

activate — verb

1. to switch on a machine, system, or account so that it begins operating, often by

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to switch on a machine, system, or account so that it begins operating, often by pressing a button, entering a code, or completing a setup step.

例句

Gita pressed the red button to activate the alarm before leaving the house.

activate + physical device (alarm)

Please enter the code on the back of the card to activate your new account.

activate + account (online services)

同義詞
  • switch on

    everyday phrasal verb, used mostly for physical devices

  • trigger

    stresses the start of an automatic response, often without a person

  • enable

    makes a feature available, but doesn't always mean it starts running

反義詞
  • deactivate

    to switch a device, account, or feature off

  • disable

    to turn a feature off so it cannot be used

文法句型

activate + [device/system/account]

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person, signal, or condition; the object is a device, software feature, account, or safety system. Often used in the passive when describing automatic triggers.

常見錯誤

❌I want to active my new credit card.
✅I want to activate my new credit card.
💡'active' is an adjective; the verb is 'activate'.

2. in science, to cause a substance to react, or to speed up a chemical or biologic

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

in science, to cause a substance to react, or to speed up a chemical or biological process, usually by applying heat, light, or another helpful agent.

例句

The students gently warmed the flask to activate the reaction between the two liquids.

activate + reaction, by heating

Sunlight is needed to activate the chemicals that turn the leaves green in spring.

activate + chemicals, light as trigger

同義詞
  • catalyse

    more technical; specifically refers to speeding up by a catalyst

  • trigger

    more general; starts a reaction without saying it speeds up

反義詞
  • inhibit

    to slow down or block a chemical reaction

文法句型

activate + [substance/reaction]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about chemical or biological change, not turning on a machine. Subject is usually a form of energy (heat, light) or an added substance; object is a reaction, enzyme, or chemical.

常見錯誤

❌The cook activated the kitchen to make bread.
✅The cook activated the yeast with warm water to make bread.
💡the object should be the substance or reaction, not the place.