reactivate
/ˌriːˈæktɪveɪt/
verb
Origin
Latin
re- + activare — again + to make active
Overview
Meaning Now
- To make something active again after a period of inactivity or suspension.
- To restore to a state of operation or engagement.
Literal older meaning
to act again
Language path
Latin → French → English
Earliest form
reactivate
Earliest period
late 19th century
Journey
The term reflects the 19th-century scientific and industrial trend of using Latinate prefixes to create precise technical terminology. It gained broader usage during the 20th century, particularly in fields involving administrative, chemical, or military operations.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*ag-
“to drive, draw out, or move”
Root for 'act'
- Latin
activus
“active, pertaining to action”
- Middle French
actif
“active”
- English
reactivate
“to restore activity”
Formed in English by adding re- prefix to the existing verb activate
Connections
Word parts
re-
prefix
again
act
root
action or deed
-ive
suffix
tending to
-ate
suffix
to perform or make
Related across languages
French
réactiver
to reactivate
Spanish
reactivar
to reactivate
Related words
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Related to reactivate
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.