Activate
/ˈæktɪveɪt/noun
To make something active or operative.
Did you know?In alchemical texts, 'activating' substances was believed to awaken their hidden powers, connecting language with the art of transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
activus
“Pertaining to action or movement.”
Late Middle Ages
Old French
activer
“To make active or to perform.”
16th Century
Latin
activare
“To put into action or to make effective.”
Early Modern English
English
activate
“To bring into a state of activity or functioning.”