noun
Uncommon
activation
ak-tih-VAYSHN
Activation (noun) means the act of making something active or bringing it into use. Example: “Activation of the new software license took only a few minutes.”
noun
1
The act of making something active or bringing it into use.
"Alarm activations cause the driver to have to stop the train - and in some cases walk back to reset it. The activations caused 1,032 minutes of delays and nine cancellations."
— , Network News: GA suffers cancellations and delays caused by alarm activations (2021)
"Activation of the new software license took only a few minutes."
"Activation of the alarm system happens automatically when the last person leaves."
"You will need an activation code before the card can be used."
2
A marketing event or campaign designed to promote a brand.
"The company ran a brand activation at the music festival."
"using shopper activation to convert shoppers into buyers"
"Our team planned a street activation to introduce the new drink to shoppers."
"The shop's pop-up activation drew big crowds and plenty of social media attention."
How to use activation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of turning something on or setting it into motion — or, in marketing, an event built to promote a brand.
Common pairings
product activation
brand activation
activation process
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Word forms
- Plural
- activations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of the new software license took only a few minutes.
Etymology
From active or activate plus the suffix -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
deactivation
inactivation
Related words
Rhymes for activation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for activation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “activation” mean?
The word “activation” means the act of making something active or bringing it into use. In plain terms, the process of turning something on or setting it into motion — or, in marketing, an event built to promote a brand.
How do you pronounce “activation”?
“Activation” is pronounced ak-tih-VAYSHN (/ˌæktəˈveɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “activation” in a sentence?
Here is “activation” used in a sentence: “Activation of the new software license took only a few minutes.”
What part of speech is “activation”?
“Activation” is a noun.
Is “activation” a common word?
“Activation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “activation” have?
“Activation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making something active or bringing it into use.
What is the difference between activation and installation?
Installation refers to setting up software or a system so it is present and ready to run, while activation is the separate step of making it active or bringing it into use, often by entering a code or confirming a licence. A product can be installed but not yet activated.
What does activation mean in a marketing context?
In marketing, an activation refers to an event or campaign designed to promote a brand, often through live experiences, sampling, or interactive engagement with consumers. This differs from general advertising because it usually involves direct, hands-on interaction with the audience.
Is activation used mainly in technology or does it apply elsewhere too?
Activation is used across several fields, including technology (activating software or a device), marketing (a brand activation campaign), and science (activation of a chemical process). The core meaning of bringing something into active use stays consistent across these uses.
