Definition of: actuate

(ak′ch·āt) v.t. ·at·ed, ·at·ing
1. To move to action; impel, as a mechanism.
2. To incite or influence, as the will: I was actuated by motives of kindness. [<Med.L actuatus, pp. of actuare <L actus a doing.
See ACT).]
—ac′tu·a′tion noun Synonyms: activate, compel, dispose, draw, drive, excite, impel, incite, incline, induce, influence, lead, move, persuade, prompt, stir, urge. One is urged from without, actuated or impelled from within. See INFLUENCE. Antonyms: deter, dissuade, hinder, restrain.