actuate

/ˈæktʃuˌeɪt/
verb
  1. To cause a machine or device to start working or move.
    • Pressing the button actuates the alarm system.
    • A small electric motor actuates the robot's arm.
    • The lever actuates the gears in the engine.
  2. To motivate someone to take action.
    • The charity's mission actuated many volunteers to join the cause.
    • What actuates people to work so hard for no pay?
    • He was actuated by a strong sense of justice.
Antonyms
What does "actuate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean