put in motion or move to act; trigger a reaction; actuate the circuits

[ Syn: trip , actuate , trigger , set off , spark off , spark , trigger off , touch off ]

make active or more active; activate an old file'

make more adsorptive; activate a metal'

aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter

[ Syn: aerate ]

make (substances) radioactive