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to incite or move to action; impel; motivate:
actuated by selfish motives.
to put into action; start a process; turn on:
to actuate a machine.
Historical Examples

I believe Captain Glazier to have been actuated by a desire to establish the truth of this problem.
Sword and Pen John Algernon Owens

The windlasses that lift the bridge are actuated by manual power.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 497, July 11, 1885 Various

actuated by curiosity or by a desire to spare his life, she requested him to be sent for.
The Rise of the Hugenots, Vol. 1 (of 2) Henry Martyn Baird

We are not for a moment to consider Cesare as actuated in all this by any lofty humanitarianism.
The Life of Cesare Borgia Raphael Sabatini

His body was jerking like a puppet of a marionette display, actuated by unseen strings.
The Drunkard Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull

As soon as it was that far from any part of his body it would be actuated.
The K-Factor Harry Harrison (AKA Henry Maxwell Dempsey)

I think that was one of the reasons that actuated the advisory board.
Report of the Committee Appointed to Investigate the Railroad Riots in July, 1877 Various

We are all actuated, I hope, by one view, but we differ in the means.
The Rose of Old St. Louis Mary Dillon

“My dear, I hope I am actuated by higher motives than a desire to have it all my own way,” said the Rector.
The Perpetual Curate Mrs [Margaret] Oliphant

Something had actuated the government which he could not understand.
Lord George Bentinck Benjamin Disraeli

verb (transitive)
to put into action or mechanical motion
to motivate or incite into action: actuated by unworthy desires
v.

1590s, from Medieval Latin actuatus, past participle of actuare, from Latin actus (see act (n.)). Related: Actuated; actuating.