deactivate
verb
de·ac·ti·vate
(ˌ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt 
deactivated; deactivating; deactivates
: to make inactive or ineffective
deactivate a bomb
deactivate a chemical compound
Examples of deactivate in a Sentence
deactivate the machine carefully, or you'll risk an electric shock
Recent Examples on the Web
Typically, Waymo’s software treats deactivated traffic signals as four-way stops, but the traffic volume overwhelmed the system.
—
Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Following the backlash to her appearance at the conservative event, Minaj deactivated her Instagram account.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Tatum Bethune returned at middle linebacker, Curtis Robinson was deactivated, and Eric Kendricks made a cameo in his debut as Bethune dealt with more ankle issues.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
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Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Dec. 2025
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Following the backlash to her appearance at the conservative event, Minaj deactivated her Instagram account.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
Tatum Bethune returned at middle linebacker, Curtis Robinson was deactivated, and Eric Kendricks made a cameo in his debut as Bethune dealt with more ankle issues.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deactivate
Cite this Entry
“Deactivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deactivate. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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Medical Definition
deactivate
transitive verb
de·ac·ti·vate
(ˈ)dē-ˈak-tə-ˌvāt
deactivated; deactivating
1
: to make inactive or ineffective
2
: to deprive of chemical activity
deactivate an enzyme
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