To cause something to operate or function; to motivate or drive someone to action.
From Medieval Latin actuatus, past participle of actuare, from actus ('driven'). Originally meant 'to put into action' and evolved to include motivational sense.
The verb 'actuate' is less common than its adjective form 'actual,' but knowing it helps you see the family: actual (real), actualize (make real), actuate (make it move/happen)—all spring from Latin actus.
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