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Deactivate vs Disable - What's the difference?

deactivate | disable |

Disable is a synonym of deactivate.



As verbs the difference between deactivate and disable

is that deactivate is to make something inactive or no longer effective while disable is to render unable; to take away an ability of.

As an adjective disable is

lacking ability; unable.

deactivate

English

Alternative forms

* de-activate *

Verb

(deactivat)
  • (ergative) to make something inactive or no longer effective
  • to prevent the action of a biochemical agent (such as an enzyme)
  • to remove a person or piece of hardware from active military service

    • See also

    * activate English ergative verbs

    disable

    English

    Verb

    (disabl)
  • To render unable; to take away an ability of.
  • (chiefly, of a person) To impair the physical or mental abilities of; to cause a serious, permanent injury.
    • Falling off the horse disabled him.
  • to deactivate a function of an electronical or mechanical device.
    • The pilot had to disable the autopilot of his airplane.

    Antonyms

    * enable

    Derived terms

    * disablement

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Lacking ability; unable.
  • * Daniel
    • Our disable and unactive force.

    Anagrams

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