actuate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈaktʃʊeɪt, -tjʊ-/

verb

  • 1 [with object] make (a machine or device) operate: the pendulum actuates an electrical switch
  • 2make (someone) act in a particular way; motivate: the defendants were actuated by malice

Derivatives

actuation

Pronunciation: /-ˈeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

actuator

noun

Origin:

late 16th century: from medieval Latin actuat- 'carried out, caused to operate', from the verb actuare, from Latin actus (see act). The original sense was 'carry out in practice', later 'stir into activity, enliven'; actuate (sense 1) dates from the mid 17th century