verb
actuate
AK-choo-ayt/ˈæktʃueɪt/
To cause something to operate or someone to act.
Pressing the switch actuates the small electric fan.
Etymology
Latin actuare meant “perform” or “put into action.” The latter meaning survives in causing a machine or process to operate.
In context
AIs with the same independent valition, they could cause extreme havoc. for example, hacking critical infrastructure, building extinction level bioweapons. There's a lot of uh ways that the AI could actuate itself in the world.
More examples
- A small electric motor actuates the valve.
- Concern for her neighbors actuated her decision to speak.
- The sensor is actuating the emergency shutoff mechanism.
Forms
actuate · actuates · actuated · actuating
actuator noun — A device that makes a mechanism move.
Similar words
- activate
- Emphasizes making something operative rather than supplying its movement.
- motivate
- Specifically concerns reasons or impulses causing someone to act.