The verb actuate has 2 senses (first 1 from tagged texts)
1. (2) trip, actuate, trigger, activate, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off -- (put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits")
2. motivate, actuate, propel, move, prompt, incite -- (give an incentive for action; "This moved me to sacrifice my career")