French word

activer

Pronunciation

IPA/aktive/

Meaning

  • verbturn on

Example

Vous pouvez activer le mode avion dans les réglages.

You can turn on airplane mode in the settings.

Illustration for activer (turn on)

More examples

N'oublie pas d'activer la localisation pour retrouver ton téléphone.

Don't forget to enable location to find your phone.

Core concept

A control moves a device, setting, or process from standby into effective operation.

Common phrases

  • activer les notifications

    enable notifications

  • activer le mode avion

    enable airplane mode

  • activer un compte

    activate an account

Similar words

désactiver: To disable a setting or feature so it stops working.
allumer: To turn on an electrical device so it begins operating or gives off light.
démarrer: To start the operation of a machine or program.
lancer: To launch an application or start a process.

Definition in French

Mettre en marche ou déclencher un mécanisme, une option ou un processus pour qu'il produise un effet.

Word origin

French activer comes from Latin activare, formed from activus meaning 'active', and retains the sense of making something active.

Usage tips

  • Activer takes a direct object, as in 'activer le mode avion' and 'activer un compte', rather than a preposition before the object.

Other meanings

  • activateverb
  • start upverb

Opposites

  • désactiverdeactivateverb

Related words

  • activationactivationnoun
  • activéenabledadjective
  • activementactivelyadverb

Word lists with this word