1.To make inactive; to render ineffective; as, to deactivate a bomb; to deactivate a machine; to deactivate the alarm. Note: The deactivation of a machine or device is usually a reversible process; switching off an electrical device may be referred to as deactivation. To render an enzyme or catalyst ineffective is more commonly referred to as to inactivate.
2.To disband (a military unit, or other group); to discontinue (a group activity); as, to deactivate the regiment; to deactivate the investigation.
