Ac·tu·ate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Actuated p. pr. & vb. n. Actuating ]
1. To put into action or motion; to move or incite to action; to influence actively; to move as motives do; -- more commonly used of persons.
Wings, which others were contriving to actuate by the perpetual motion. --Johnson.
Men of the greatest abilities are most fired with ambition; and, on the contrary, mean and narrow minds are the least actuated by it. --Addison.
2. To carry out in practice; to perform. [Obs.] “To actuate what you command.”
Syn: -- To move; impel; incite; rouse; instigate; animate.
actuating
adj : causing motion or action or change [syn: activating(a), actuating(a)]