Actuate (verb)

1. To put into motion or action.
2. To cause something to happen.

Origin:

From the latin verb actuare, from actus, meaning "a doing or action".

Examples:

1. The lever actuates the machine when pulled.
2. His speech actuated the crowd to take action.
3. The button actuates the elevator doors to close.
4. The timer actuated the sprinkler system to turn on.
5. The remote control actuated the TV to turn off.