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1. Causing motion, action or change
   "The aeroplane has self-actuating flaps on the wings";
   - activating

1. Put in motion, initiate (a device, reaction, circuit, etc)
   "actuate the circuits";
   - trigger, activate, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off
    
2. Give an incentive for action
   "This actuated me to sacrifice my career";
   - motivate, propel, move, prompt, incite

See also: causative

Type of: cause, do, engender, initiate, make, pioneer

Encyclopedia: Actuate