Definition
发动 (fā dòng) has three distinct uses: starting a machine/engine, launching a campaign/event, and mobilizing people. Unlike 启动 (qǐ dòng), which is narrower (starting a device or project), and 动员 (dòng yuán), which specifically mobilizes people, 发动 covers all three. 开动 (kāi dòng) is a colloquial alternative for starting a machine or vehicle.
verb
to start (a machine, engine)to launchto initiate (a war, campaign, event)to mobilizeto arouse (people, masses)
Examples
- 发动。Tā fā dòng le qìchē jiù chūfā le.He started the car and set off.
- 发动。Xuéxiào fā dòng le yì chǎng huánbǎo yùndòng.The school launched an environmental campaign.
- 发动。Shèqū gànbù fā dòng jūmín cānyù qīnglǐ gōngzuò.Community officials mobilized residents to participate in the cleaning work.
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