1. a substance or device that reduces or removes the activity or effectiveness of something, especially a chemical compound or biological agent
Usage: commonly used in chemistry, biology, and industrial contexts
2. a person or thing that deactivates or disables something, such as an alarm system or electronic device
Usage: technical usage

Examples

• The chemist added a deactivator to the solution to stop the reaction.
• A metal deactivator was used to prevent oxidation in the fuel.
• The security system's deactivator required a special code to function.
• Enzyme deactivators are often used in food preservation.
• The technician used a deactivator to safely disable the explosive device.
• Chelating agents act as deactivators for harmful metal ions in water treatment.