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)]