activate vs actuate

activate and actuate both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
activate	No	No	Yes	No
actuate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, activate and actuate are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of activate include set off, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip.

activate (verb)	actuate (verb)
make active or more active	put in motion or move to act
make (substances) radioactive	give an incentive for action
aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
make more adsorptive
put in motion or move to act