Actuate

usgb/ˈæktʃueɪt/
verb

To make a machine or system work.

The emergency system was actuated by the fire alarm
Visual representation of "actuate" - To make a machine or system work

Often appears as...

  • actuate the system
  • actuate the machine
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "actuate"
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Mechanical Context

Actuate often relates to mechanical or electrical processes.

Illustration for Mechanical Context
An operator actuated the conveyor belt to start the packaging process.
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System Activation

Actuate highlights the start of a system's operation rather than ongoing functioning.

Illustration for System Activation
The floodgates were actuated to manage the rising water levels.
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Initiate Action

Using 'actuate' implies direct initiation, often at the beginning of a process.

Illustration for Initiate Action
To actuate the cleaning cycle, press the red button now.
Visual representation of the word "Actuate"

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