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Definition of inactivate

inactivate

/ɪnˈæk.tɪ.veɪt/
in · ac · ti · vate
Adverb:inactively
•
Adjective:inactive
•
Past Simple:inactivated
•
Past Participle:inactivated
•
Present Participle:inactivating
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inactivate Lexical Profile

inactivate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or render inactive, inert, or ineffective (especially of a chemical substance, enzyme, gene, or pathogen).

Example

"Boiling the water for several minutes will safely inactivate any harmful bacteria or viruses."

2

American To remove from active service or official operational status (especially of a military unit, ship, or administrative file).

Example

"The naval command decided to inactivate the aging fleet after thirty years of service."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inactivate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inactivate

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'deactivate' and 'inactivate' overlap, 'inactivate' is overwhelmingly preferred in biology, chemistry, and medicine (e.g., to inactivate a virus or enzyme), whereas 'deactivate' is preferred for mechanical, electronic, or administrative systems (e.g., to deactivate an alarm or account).

• Rhymes for inactivate

• Nearby Words

inaccurately
inaccurateness
inaction
inactivate
inactive
inactively
inactivity

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inactivate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inactivate
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