activate

(verb) put in motion or move to act. Synonyms: trip, actuate, trigger, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off. Examples: "Trigger a reaction." "Actuate the circuits."

(verb) make active or more active. Example: "Activate an old file."

(verb) make more adsorptive. Example: "Activate a metal."

(verb) aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter. Synonyms: aerate.

(verb) make (substances) radioactive.