different between activate vs enliven

English

Etymology

active +? -ate

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ækt??ve?t/

Verb

activate (third-person singular simple present activates, present participle activating, simple past and past participle activated)

1. (transitive) To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.

2. (transitive) To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.

3. (transitive, chemistry, physics) To render more reactive; excite.
4. (transitive, biology) To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.
5. (transitive, physics) To render a substance radioactive.
6. (transitive, chemistry) To hasten a chemical reaction, especially by heating.
7. (transitive, computing, software) To remove the limitations of demoware by providing a license; to unlock.
8. (transitive) To aerate in order to aid decomposition of organic matter.
9. (transitive, military) To organize or create a military unit or station.

10. (transitive, sports) To bring a player back after an injury.

Synonyms

• actuate
• enable
• get going
• set going
• set in motion
• set off
• spur
• start
• stimulate
• trigger
• turn on

Related terms

• activation

Antonyms

• deactivate
• inactivate

Translations

Anagrams

• cavitate

English

Etymology

From life +? en- -en, intensifying verbal circumfix.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?n?la?v?n/

  Rhymes: -a?v?n

Verb

enliven (third-person singular simple present enlivens, present participle enlivening, simple past and past participle enlivened)

1. (archaic, transitive) To give life or spirit to; to revive or animate.
2. (transitive) To make more lively, cheerful or interesting.

   The game was much enlivened when both teams scored within five minutes of each other.

Synonyms

• liven
• liven up

Derived terms

• enlivener
• enlivenment

Translations

See also

• animate
• brighten
• cheer up
• invigorate
• quicken
• vitalize

References