Actuate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Actuated; p. pr. & vb. n. Actuating.]
Etymology: [LL. actuatus, p. p. of actuare, fr. L. actus act.]
1. To put into action or motion; to move or incite to action; to influence actively; to move as motives do; -- more commonly used of persons. Wings, which others were contriving to actuate by the perpetual motion. Johnson. Men of the greatest abilities are most fired with ambition; and, on the contrary, mean and narrow minds are the least actuated by it. Addison.
2. To carry out in practice; to perform. [Obs.] "To actuate what you command." Jer. Taylor.
Syn. -- To move; impel; incite; rouse; instigate; animate.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Actuate, a.
Put in action; actuated. [Obs.] South.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for actuate; he lists it under influence.
Where he writes about it:
Actuate refers solely to mental or moral power impelling one from within. — from influence
One may influence, but can not directly actuate another; but one may be actuated to cruelty by hatred which another's misrepresentation has aroused. — from influence