activate
UK[ˈæktɪveɪt]US[ˈæktəˌveɪt]
v
To make something start working or cause a process to begin.
v
To make a substance, device, or system active or more active.
Morpheme Breakdown
activ
ate
activ
active
ate
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'activate' is a modern scientific and technical formation built upon the established English adjective 'active'. The root 'activ' traces back to the Latin 'activus', meaning "given to action, energetic," which itself derives from the verb 'agere', a foundational Latin word meaning "to drive, lead, act, do." This verb 'agere' originates from the Proto-Indo-European root h₂eǵ- (to drive, lead, set in motion). The suffix '-ate' is a productive verb-forming element borrowed from Latin participial endings via French. Therefore, 'activate' literally means "to make active," a logical and transparent extension where the ancient concept of driving or setting in motion evolves into the modern sense of initiating a function or process.
Analysis
Structure: activ (active) + ate (verb-forming suffix)
- activ: From Latin 'activus' (active, energetic), from the root 'agere' (to do, drive). Functional role: root conveying the core meaning of action or being in a state of action.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin via French, used to form verbs meaning "to make, cause to become, or act upon".
Examples
Pulling the lever will activate the emergency alarm system.
The enzyme is needed to activate the chemical reaction in the cell.
You must activate your new credit card by calling the bank.