Definition

A device or substance that is used to make something inactive or to stop it from working.

Example

The technician used a deactivator to safely disable the alarm system.

Conversation

Hey, have you heard about the new deactivator they installed in the lab?

Yeah, I read it helps remove unwanted substances from the water.

That sounds really cool! I wonder how effective the deactivator actually is.

I guess we’ll find out when we start our experiments next week.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deactivator → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "activator" (from "act" which comes from Latin "agere", meaning to do or to act, plus the suffix "-ator" which indicates an agent or doer). The word "deactivator" refers to something that causes the action of deactivating or taking away the active state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the ability to 'act' ('act') — that's why a deactivator means something that stops an action.

Visually Confused Words