aerate vs activate

aerate and activate both are verbs.

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

As verbs, aerate and activate are synonyms defined as:

aerate and activate: aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter

aerate (verb)	activate (verb)
aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter	make active or more active
impregnate, combine, or supply with oxygen	make (substances) radioactive
expose to fresh air	aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
	make more adsorptive
	put in motion or move to act