B2verbtechnology
US/ˈæk.tɪ.veɪt/
UK/ˈæk.tɪ.veɪt/
to make a device, system or account start working
In context
You need to activate your new card before you can use it.
Smoke activated the alarm and everyone left the building.
Press this button to activate the voice assistant on your phone.
Words that go with activate
verb + noun
- activate an accountClick the link to activate your account.
- activate a cardPlease activate your card by phone.
- activate an alarmSomeone activated the alarm by mistake.
- activate a featureYou can activate this feature in the settings.
- activate a licenseThe software asks you to activate your license.
adverb + verb
- automatically activateThe lights automatically activate at night.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
active the accountCorrect: activate the account