activate

To encourage development or induce increased activity; to stimulate.

activate the economy

To put a device, mechanism (alarm etc.) or system into action or motion; to trigger, to actuate, to set off, to enable.

The pranksters activated the fire alarm by spraying deodorant next to it.

To render more reactive; excite.

To render a molecule reactive, active, or effective in performing its function.

To render a substance radioactive.