Webster's English Dictionary

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activate

ac.ti.vate \'ak-t*-.va-t\ \'ak-t*-.va-t-*r\ vt : to make active or more 
   active : as  : to make (as molecules) reactive or more reactive  : to 
   convert (as a provitamin) into a biologically active derivative  : to make 
   (a substance) radioactive, luminescent, photosensitive, or pho toconductive 
   : to treat (as carbon or alumina) esp. so as to improve adsorptive prope 
   rties : to aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that 
   decompo se organic matter : to set up or formally institute (a military 
   unit) with the necessary p ersonnel and equipment : to become active  - 
   ac.ti.va.tor n