actuates

Puts into motion

Actuates is the verb form of actuate, meaning to set something in motion or cause it to operate.

The word appears most often in technical contexts—a sensor actuates a switch, a button actuates a mechanism: The motion detector actuates the alarm system.

In formal usage, actuate can also mean to motivate or drive someone to action: He was actuated by a desire for revenge.

initiates

starts

Initiates an action

commencesBegins or initiates
launchesSends off forcefully
beginsStarts to happen

propels · sparks · triggers · instigates · precipitates · catalyzes · kicks off · jumpstarts · spurs · prompts

mechanical

triggers

Causes or activates

engagesOccupies or participates with
activatesCauses to function
switchesCircuit opening devices

levers · motors · drives · operates · mechanisms · buttons · pistons · valves · cylinders · solenoids

Opposites

causation of action/motion

actuatesstops

Ceases to continue

halts · deactivates · arrests · ceases · disengages

motivational causation

actuatesdiscourages

Lessens motivation to act

deters · dissuades · restrains · inhibits · suppresses

enabling vs. hindering

actuatesimpedes

Blocks or delays

blocks · prevents · obstructs · hinders · inhibits

Family

actuate, actuator, actuated, actuators, actuation, actuating

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G