actuate

The definition of actuate is the act of putting something into motion.

(verb)

An example of actuate is a tweeting bird popping out of a cu-cu clock as it strikes the hour.

See actuate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb actuated, actuating

Origin: < ML actuatus, pp. of actuare < L actus: see act

Related Forms:

See actuate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ac·tu·at·ed, ac·tu·at·ing, ac·tu·ates

To put into motion or action; activate: electrical relays that actuate the elevator's movements.
To move to action: a speech that actuated dissent.

Origin:

Origin: Medieval Latin āctuāre, āctuāt-

Origin: , from Latin āctus, act; see act

Related Forms:

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