Activate
Activate verb - To cause to function.
Usage example: the thermostat is set to activate the heating system only when the temperature drops below 65 degrees
Trigger is a synonym for activate in operate topic. In some cases you can use "Trigger" instead the word "Activate" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like start, start a function. popular alternative
Trigger
Trigger verb - To cause to function.
Usage example: mold triggers my allergies
Activate is a synonym for trigger in cause to happen topic. You can use "Activate" instead a verb "Trigger". popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
| skill | activate skill | trigger skill |
| device | activate device | trigger device |
| mode | activate mode | trigger mode |
| attack | activate attack | trigger attack |
| Other words: system, series, sequence, effect, bomb, trap, effects, transformation, door, curse, side, alarm, button, self-destruct, attacks, powers, traps, switches. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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UMS maps are similar, in that they'll end in victory for you and defeat for everyone else the moment you activate any trigger with a "victory" result.
Source: Video Game / StarCraft I -
However the virus actually needs a specific trigger to activate, which happens a few minutes later.
Source: Face-Revealing Turn -
Considering Darien has arachnophobia (and his brother would know), this is a good way to trigger a massive generation of adrenalin necessary to activate the gland.
Source: How Do I Shot Web?
Cite this Source
Trigger and Activate. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/activate/trigger
Activate & Trigger. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/activate/trigger>.
Trigger or Activate. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/activate/trigger.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "activate" and "trigger" have occurred on timeline