deactivations

Deactivation is the process of rendering something inactive or non-operational, either by turning off a function, withdrawing permission, or removing capability. It can be temporary or permanent and is often reversible.

In technology and software, deactivation commonly refers to turning off user accounts, devices, or features. A deactivated account typically preserves data and settings for possible reactivation, whereas deletion permanently erases data. Deactivating a device or service may involve revoking credentials, disabling access tokens, and stopping services. Deactivation is distinct from suspension (temporary disablement) and from deletion (data removal).

In security and access control, deactivating credentials—such as passwords, API tokens, or smart cards—reduces risk after role changes, breaches, or employee departures. Effective deactivation is timely, auditable, and may require multi-step verification to prevent abuse. Systems often log deactivations and support reactivation workflows.

In infrastructure and operations, deactivation occurs during maintenance, incident response, or decommissioning. Decommissioning removes equipment from service, often following data sanitization, physical dismantling, and regulatory compliance.

In biology, deactivation describes processes that reduce or halt biological activity, such as enzyme inhibition, receptor desensitization, or the neutralization of a biological agent. In chemistry, deactivation can refer to the loss of catalytic activity.

Governance and policy considerations include data retention, privacy obligations, user communication, and audit trails. Deactivation choices balance security, cost, and the potential for reactivation.