%actuate%

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wings, which others were contriving to actuate by the perpetual motion. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To carry out in practice; to perform. [ Obs. ] “To actuate what you command.” Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To move; impel; incite; rouse; instigate; animate. [ 1913 Webster ]