Actuate

/ˈæktʃu.eɪt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To activate, or to put into motion; to animate..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To activate, or to put into motion; to animate.
2. (transitive) To incite to action; to motivate.

Example Sentences

Wings, which others were contriving to actuate by the perpetual motion.

I walk always with my right hand closed round the india-rubber ball which I have in my trouser pocket. The pressing of this ball actuates a detonator inside the flask I carry in my pocket. It's the principle of the pneumatic instantaneous shutter for a camera lens.

1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral, 2. ed., London, Oxford University Press, 1973. § 11. A man in a fit of anger, is actuated in a very different manner from one who only thinks of that emotion.

Men of the greatest abilities are most fired with ambition; and, on the contrary, mean and narrow minds are the least actuated by it.

Synonyms for actuate

Antonyms for actuate

Related Words

Word Forms

• actuates
• actuating
• actuated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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