View synonyms for actuate

actuate

[ ak-choo-eyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, ac·tu·at·ed, ac·tu·at·ing.

to incite or move to action; impel; motivate:
actuated by selfish motives.
to put into action; start a process; turn on:
to actuate a machine.

actuate

/ ˈæktʃʊˌeɪt /

verb

to put into action or mechanical motion
to motivate or incite into action
actuated by unworthy desires

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Derived Forms

ˈactuˌator, noun
ˌactuˈation, noun

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Other Words From

ac·tu·a·tion [ak-choo-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
de·ac·tu·ate verb (used with object) deactuated deactuating
self-ac·tu·at·ing adjective
un·ac·tu·at·ed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of actuate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin āctuāt(us) “reduced to action” (past participle of āctuāre ), equivalent to Latin āctu(s) ( act ) + -ātus -ate ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of actuate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin actuātus, from actuāre to incite to action, from Latin āctus act

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Example Sentences

He sought to penetrate the human heart, and to reveal the secret motives which actuate the conduct of men.

From Project Gutenberg

To make life a success, the glory of God must be the ruling motive to actuate us in all the walks of life.

From Project Gutenberg

My agitation on Sunday week during and after your departure called forth reflections which actuate my present conduct.

From Project Gutenberg

Only suppose that nation to possess the same feelings which actuate every breast in this House; which actuate the American people.

From Project Gutenberg

If thoughts do not actuate it, your distrustful fears and cares will vanish.

From Project Gutenberg

actuary actuation

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