spark off vs activate

spark off and activate both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
spark off	No	No	Yes	No
activate	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, spark off and activate are synonyms defined as:

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

spark off (verb)	activate (verb)
put in motion or move to act	make active or more active
	make (substances) radioactive
	aerate (sewage) so as to favor the growth of organisms that decompose organic matter
	make more adsorptive
	put in motion or move to act