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to reactivate

to reactivate

41 4.3
To make something work again after it stopped
  • verb
  • /ˌriːˈæktɪveɪt/
translation icon : reactivar
  • Please reactivate it.
  • reactivate the economy
  • reactivate the memory
  • reactivate the virus

The trauma of being charged with rape reactivates the child's trauma.

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Examples

  • To get access to your account again, please reactivate it through the support page.

  • But when salamander stem cells near the injury get the right signal, they reactivate and start multiplying.

  • We can reactivate it at will.

  • We'll reactivate your payments at the end of the day.

  • We need all that power to reactivate the ADS.

  • Even sick, the technician still thinks to reactivate the alarm systems with a card key.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • President Kim will probably stress the need to reactivate currently stalemated four-party talks.

    Academic text (2002)
  • As you continue to learn about workings of the heart in class or study its chambers for an exam, you reactivate these same neurons.

  • In 1987, Egypt mended ties with its Arab neighbors, reactivating their former relationships.

    Academic text (1995)
  • After the upgrade, you need to reactivate your subscription for it to take effect.

Synonyms

to activate
vsto reactivate
715 3.6

To make a machine, system, or account start working

specifically covers initiating or increasing activity from an idle state
to resume
vsto reactivate
297 3.1

To start an activity again after a pause

covers bringing anything back into activity, not only returning a previous course
to renew
vsto reactivate
175 2.8

Make a card or agreement valid again after it ends

is the simple return to activity without formal renewal or validation
to reinstate
vsto reactivate
110 5.8

To return a person or thing to a previous position like a job

focuses specifically on making something active again rather than position return
to revive
vsto reactivate
104 4.2

Make something active or popular again after a time of being forgotten

is a more neutral restoring of activity without public renewal emphasis
to restart
vsto reactivate
85 2.3

Start something again after it stops or is interrupted

is broader, applying to any return to activity after inactivity
to revitalize
vsto reactivate
  • US
45 4.8

To give new life and energy to something

is a basic restoring of activity without the extra sense of renewal
to resurrect
vsto reactivate
42 6.8

Bring something back into use after it was forgotten

is the basic act of making something active again regardless of being forgotten
to reestablish
vsto reactivate
37 4.3

To bring back something that stopped or was lost

is specifically about returning activity rather than full reestablishment
to rekindle
vsto reactivate
33 5.1

Make a feeling or interest strong again

is neutral about tone and simply restores activity
to jump-start
vsto reactivate
16 3.8

To make a stopped activity or project begin again with energy

is the plain return to activity without implying extra speed or force
to reignite
vsto reactivate
15 4.6

To make an interest, feeling, or activity start again after it stopped

refers to restarting generally without implying renewed strength or passion
to reawaken
vsto reactivate
10 5.1

To become awake or aware again

is broader and applies to both objects and feelings
to relaunch
vsto reactivate
7 3.9

To start something again after it stops or after you change it

is a broader restoring of activity without implying a new launch
to reinstitute
vsto reactivate
6 6.1

To start again a rule or practice that stopped

is wider and includes objects or activities, not only systems or rules
to reinitiate
vsto reactivate
1 5.9

To start a process or system again after it stopped

is the general act of making something active again without formality
to reengage
vsto reactivate
  • Specialized
1 4.1

Make a machine part connect and work again after it stops

applies more generally to any thing or process returned to activity
to recommission
vsto reactivate
  • Specialized
1 6.6

To put a ship, building, or machine back into use after being inactive

is more general and applies beyond physical equipment or facilities
to remobilize
vsto reactivate
  • US
1 6.8

To make something move or work again after a pause

is general reactivation that does not imply organizing movement
to restimulate
vsto reactivate
5.3

Make something active again, for example the economy or your interest

is the plain act of restoring activity without the excitement implication
to reawake
vsto reactivate
6.1

Make a feeling, interest, or memory strong again

is more general and applies equally to devices or systems
to reenergize
vsto reactivate
  • Specialized
4.6

To give electrical power again to a machine or system after it is turned off

is more general and not limited to electrical systems
to unshelve the project
vsto reactivate
7.0

To start work again on a project that was paused or stopped

is the general act of making anything active again, not only projects

Antonyms

63 3.9

To make a device, system, or account stop working

How Active

to revive
104 4.2
to reawaken
10 5.1
to reactivate
41 4.3
to restart
85 2.3
to resume
297 3.1

Surface Forms

reactivate infinitive
reactivated past participle
reactivating present participle
reactivates third person singular

Morphology

reactivate = activate (transparent) = re + act + ive + ate

Adding 're-' to 'activate' straightforwardly gives the meaning 'make active again'.

Etymology

Reactivate is made from the prefix re- meaning 'again' and active meaning 'working' or 'doing', the same root you see in action and actor. So to reactivate something is to make it 'working again', which is exactly what the word means today.