'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]
Synonyms of 'deactivate'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- break up,
- debrief,
- decommission,
- demilitarize,
- demob,
- demobilize,
- detach,
- disarm,
- disband,
- discharge,
- disintegrate,
- dismiss,
- disorganize,
- disperse,
- dissolve,
- go separate ways,
- let go,
- muster out,
- part,
- part company,
- reconvert,
- release,
- scatter,
- separate,
- sheathe the sword,
- split up