deactivated

Deactivated is the state of being rendered inactive, disabled, or no longer in use. It describes objects, features, accounts, devices, or systems that have been turned off, suspended, or blocked but not permanently destroyed. Deactivation can be intentional and temporary or permanent, and it often preserves the underlying structure so the item can be reactivated if needed. The term is widely used across technology, security, science, and organizational contexts.

In technology and computing, deactivation refers to preventing access or use while preserving data. An online account may be deactivated to restrict login, a device can be deactivated to stop operation or enrollment, and a software feature may be deactivated to limit functionality. Deactivation is commonly contrasted with deletion or uninstallation, which involve removing data or software, rather than simply suspending its use. Licenses, subscriptions, and digital keys are often deactivated when a service ends or a risk is detected.

In security and operations, deactivation is used during maintenance, testing, or safety procedures. Alarms, sensors, and access controls may be deactivated temporarily to avoid false alarms or to perform routine work. Decommissioned equipment is typically deactivated before disposal to prevent unauthorized use.

In science and biology, deactivated can describe systems or components that have lost activity. For enzymes or catalysts, deactivation means reduced or lost catalytic activity due to inhibitors, denaturation, or fouling. In pharmacology or virology, more precise terms such as inactivated are often used, but deactivated may appear in informal or transitional usage to indicate a nonfunctional state.

Overall, deactivated denotes a reversible or temporary non-operational condition, distinct from deletion or destruction.