actuate
|ac-tu-ate|
B2
/ˈæk.tʃu.eɪt/
activate or motivate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'actuate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'actuare,' where 'actu-' meant 'to drive' or 'to do.'
Historical Evolution
'actuare' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'actuatus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'actuate.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to drive or do something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to put into motion or action.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to put into motion or action; to activate.
The engineer actuated the machine with a simple switch.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to motivate or incite someone to act.
Her speech actuated the crowd to take action.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/01 18:21