activated

Everyday

1. Switched on or made to start working: an activated alarm or card is now working. tree →
2. (science) Made ready to act or react, like activated charcoal, which is treated so it soaks up more stuff. tree →
3. Started or called into action: a plan, a team or a body's defences can be activated. tree →

In the lessons

In science it describes something set off, like a switch, a sensor, a chemical or the immune system; in everyday life cards, phones and alarms are activated; in safety talk alarms and sprinklers are activated by smoke or heat; in stories a trap or a robot «activated» means something is about to happen. Phrases: «activated by», «voice-activated», «motion-activated», «activated charcoal».

Examples

• The fire alarm was activated by burnt toast. tree →
• Mum activated her new bank card by phone. tree →
• The motion-activated light came on when the fox walked past. tree →
• Once the robot was activated, its eyes glowed blue. tree →
• Activated charcoal is used in some water filters. tree →
• The rescue team was activated after the storm. tree →
• Our class tablets were activated with the school's code. tree →
• The trap was activated when the explorer stepped on the stone. tree →

Note

Used as a past form («the alarm was activated») and as an adjective («an activated card»). Opposite: deactivated. Spelling: activate + d = activated. Do not confuse with «active» (doing things) — activated means it has been switched on.