'actuate' definitions:

Definition of 'actuate'

From: WordNet
verb
Put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits" [syn: trip, actuate, trigger, activate, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off]
verb
Give an incentive for action; "This moved me to sacrifice my career" [syn: motivate, actuate, propel, move, prompt, incite]

Synonyms of 'actuate'

From: Moby Thesaurus