actuate
ac·tu·ate
/ˈækʧəˌweıt/ verb , -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [ + obj ]
1 technical : to make (a machine or electrical device) move or operate
The pump is actuated by the windmill.
2 formal : to cause someone to do something or to act in a certain way
— usually used as (be) actuated
He had been actuated [=motivated] by greed when he made his decision. = His decision had been actuated by greed.
