Ac″tu‐ate (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Actuated (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Actuating (�).] [LL. actuatus, p. p. of actuare, fr. L. actus act.] 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. “To actuate what you command.” Jer. Taylor.
Syn. — To move; impel; incite; rouse; instigate; animate.