Synonyms

operate

American

[op-uh-reyt] / ˈɒp əˌreɪt /

verb (used without object)

to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.

This engine does not operate properly.
to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.
to act effectively; produce an effect; exert force or influence (often followed by on orupon ).

Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people.
to perform some process of work or treatment.
Surgery. to perform a surgical procedure.
(of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
Military.
1. to carry on operations in war.
2. to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, especially speculatively or on a large scale.
Informal. to use devious means for one's own gain; insinuate oneself; finagle.

a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.

verb (used with object)

to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.).

Do you know how to operate a forklift?
to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation.

to operate a coal mine.
to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.

operate British

/ ˈɒpəˌreɪt /

verb

to function or cause to function
(tr) to control the functioning of

operate a machine
to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc)
(intr) to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal)
(intr) to produce a desired or intended effect
to treat or process in a particular or specific way
(intr) to conduct military or naval operations
(intr) to deal in securities on a stock exchange

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of operate

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī, -āre “to work, be efficacious, effect, produce,” Latin: “to busy oneself,” verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus “work”; see -ate ¹

Explanation

You'll want to find a skilled surgeon to operate on your hand. Once your hand is working again, you'll be able to operate your buzz saw with ease. Operate comes from a Latin root related to opus, "work," and it's a verb that can be used for all kinds of work. Your computer can operate smoothly, the lottery can operate successfully, your school can operate a day care center in some vacant classrooms, and you can operate your vehicle in a safe manner. If you're an unshakable optimist, your friends may say you "operate in a dream world."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing operate

Space

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Nine Stories

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While AI can sometimes mimic human behavior, its ability to maintain attention appears to operate very differently from the way people do.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

He can operate in an attacking midfield role or play deeper.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Last year, those businesses sued after the Inglewood City Council approved an exclusive contract with WOW Media to build and operate more than 100 digital billboards along some of the city’s busiest streets.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

While Apple is working with Google and Nvidia, it also reiterated that much of its AI will operate directly on its devices, which could limit the amount of external infrastructure it needs.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

He would see her on the porch working at the sewing machine, which she had learned to operate with admirable skill, and he would not even speak to her.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023