actuate
Put in motion
Actuate means to set something in motion or cause it to operate.
Mechanical devices are actuated by triggers, switches, or motors: The button actuates the release mechanism.
In a more abstract sense, actuate describes what motivates someone to act: He was actuated by a desire for revenge.
This second use sounds formal and slightly old-fashioned.
What initiates action
- engageActively participate or connect
- energizeSupply with vitality
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- startTo set going
initiate · set-off · fire · trip · enable · arm · prime · spark
drive
Operate a vehicle
spur · move · induce · propel · push · influence · inspire · stimulate · provoke · urge
trigger
What initiates action
start · initiate · set-off · fire · trip · enable · arm · prime · spark · ignite
servomechanism
Feedback-controlled automatic mechanism
lever · hydraulics · linkage · switch · relay · mechanism · camshaft · clutch · gear · motor
commence
To set underway
- beginTo start something
- inaugurateBegin officially, with ceremony
- launchSet into motion
start · kick-off · spark · catalyze · precipitate · originate · instigate · genesis · inception
- actual sizeMatching real dimensions
- what the actual fuckAmplified profane incredulity
- actual costTrue expenditure incurred
actual, actuator, actuated, actuators, actuation, actuates, actuating