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Literary notes about activate (AI summary)

The term "activate" in literature functions as a dynamic catalyst for initiating processes, whether these be concrete mechanical actions or more abstract transformations. It can denote the literal triggering of a system or device—such as setting off a detonator to blow open a place [1] or flipping a circuit breaker to initiate an elaborate sequence of events [2]—while also capturing subtler shifts, like the stirring of emotion when a tune brings a wave of nostalgic pleasure [3]. In technical and futuristic narratives, "activate" is employed to describe the onset of complex models and mechanisms that engage external realities or internal systems [4], [5]. Overall, its versatile usage enriches storytelling by linking the activation of physical devices with the awakening of ideas, emotions, or even entire worlds.
  1. But this was hardly the moment to activate the detonators and blow the place.
    — from Project Daedalus by Thomas Hoover
  2. When the time came to activate the device, two fraternity members had merely to flip a circuit breaker and push a plug into an outlet.
    — from The Jargon File, Version 2.9.10, 01 Jul 1992
  3. Children's music boxes invariably contain this selection, and the melody cannot help but activate a pleasant nostalgia.
    — from A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Melvin Powers
  4. If the simulated step is successful, then ZAM will activate the action on the external reality.
    — from The Brain, A Decoded Enigma by Dorin Teodor Moisa
  5. BF6: Any ZMs are able to activate, in time sharing, many ZAM models to do many activities.
    — from The Brain, A Decoded Enigma by Dorin Teodor Moisa

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