to actuate

Examples

• All

• A mechanical switch is used that is actuated as the float raises and lowers with the liquid.

  Academic text (1996)

• The apparatus has two DOFs actuated by hydraulic servo systems.

  Academic text (2000)

• And the robot needs to spin this wheel and it needs to actuate that and it needs to turn this dial.

• Not only do users stabilize devices, they operate them; that is, they actuate them.

  Academic text (2011)

• You need also to be able to actuate the system by going to the motors and finding the right torques to make the robot move.

• The robot's arms are fixtures that hold the laparoscopic devices and help to actuate them.

  Academic text (2007)

• The two degrees of freedom in movement can be actuated independently or concurrently.

  Academic text (2005)

• So I've ordered some tubing, some connectors, and the big thing that's going to actuate all this is a solenoid.

• Redwood MicroSystems is developing a heat-actuated micromirror for use in a variable-focus optical lens.

  Academic text (1994)

• The remote control will actuate the garage door opener as soon as I press the button.

Synonyms

A

to activate

vsto actuate

715 3.6

To make a machine, system, or account start working

also covers causing people or systems to take action, not only devices

T

to turn on

vsto actuate

550 1.0

To make a machine or device start working

is broader, including causing people or complex systems to act

O

to operate

vsto actuate

506 2.8

To make a machine or system work as it should

focuses more on initiating action rather than ongoing control or use

I

to initiate

vsto actuate

426 4.5

To start something such as a project or discussion

leans more toward making machines or people act in practical ways

T

to trigger

vsto actuate

422 4.2

To cause something to start or happen

adds a sense of making equipment or people actually start working

I

to induce

vsto actuate

168 5.3

Cause a process, event, or feeling to start

is usually immediate and practical, making machines or people act now

S

to spark

vsto actuate

154 3.4

To cause something to start, often an idea or strong feeling

is broader and can mean making people or machines begin work

M

to make it happen

vsto actuate

143 3.0

Get something you want by working to reach it

is often more mechanical or immediate rather than effortful achievement

S

to set off

vsto actuate

131 3.1

To cause something to start or happen

is more directly about causing machines or people to start working

E

to engage

vsto actuate

• Specialized

96 5.1

To make a machine part start working

is wider, covering both whole devices and starting people into action

P

to put to work

vsto actuate

78 3.2

Make someone or something start working by giving tasks

is more about initiating the action itself rather than assigning duties

P

to propel

vsto actuate

45 4.7

To make someone want to do something

is more mechanical or neutral, not necessarily motivational in tone

T

to trip

vsto actuate

36 6.5

To make a switch or device start working by turning it on

is broader, including prompting people and not only mechanical parts

S

to switch on

vsto actuate

32 1.6

To make a device like a light start working by pressing a button or moving a switch

is more general, covering both machines and motivating people

S

to set in motion

vsto actuate

25 3.5

To make something begin to move or happen

focuses more on initiating action in machines or people alike

M

to make things happen

vsto actuate

21 3.2

To take action that causes events or results

is focused more on starting devices or prompting direct action

T

to touch off

vsto actuate

• US

15 7.4

Make an event or strong reaction start suddenly

is more neutral, covering routine starts and prompting people to act

M

to mobilize

vsto actuate

7 4.8

To make someone or something start to move and become active

is often about individual machines or single actions rather than groups

C

to call forth

vsto actuate

7 4.9

Cause a feeling or reaction to appear in people

is more concrete, often about starting machines or practical actions

E

to effectuate

vsto actuate

• Formal

4 8.6

To make something happen, for example a plan or change

is narrower, specifically about making machines or people start acting

S

to set the wheels in motion

vsto actuate

• Informal

1 4.9

Start a series of actions that lead to later changes

is more immediate, often used for single devices or actions

S

to spark off

vsto actuate

• Informal

1 3.9

To cause a sudden event or strong reaction to begin

is less about suddenness and more about simply starting action

T

to trigger off

vsto actuate

• UK

1 5.1

To cause something to start suddenly

is more neutral and can describe steady or planned starts

Antonyms

D

to deactivate

63 3.9

To make a device, system, or account stop working

I

to inhibit

30 5.4

Stop or make something less likely to happen

How Forceful

to drive

458 1.0

to trigger

422 4.2

to actuate

• Specialized

1 7.3

to nudge

33 3.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology