'deactivate' definitions:

Definition of 'deactivate'

From: WordNet
verb
Remove from active military status or reassign; "The men were deactivated after five years of service"
verb
Make inactive; "they deactivated the file" [syn: inactivate, deactivate] [ant: activate]

Definition of 'deactivate'

From: GCIDE
  • deactivate \de*ac"ti*vate\, v. t.
  • 1. To make inactive; to render ineffective; as, to deactivate a bomb; to deactivate a machine; to deactivate the alarm.
  • Note: The deactivation of a machine or device is usually a reversible process; switching off an electrical device may be referred to as deactivation. To render an enzyme or catalyst ineffective is more commonly referred to as to inactivate. [PJC]
  • 2. To disband (a military unit, or other group); to discontinue (a group activity); as, to deactivate the regiment; to deactivate the investigation. [PJC]

Words containing 'deactivate'