automate

American  

[aw-tuh-meyt] / ˈɔ təˌmeɪt /

verb (used with object)

automated, automating

1. to apply the principles of automation to (a mechanical process, industry, office, etc.).

2. to operate or control by automation.

3. to displace or make obsolete by automation (often followed byout ).

   The unskilled jobs are going to be automated out.

---

verb (used without object)

automated, automating

1. to install automatic procedures, as for manufacturing or servicing; follow or utilize the principles of automation.

   Many banks have begun to automate.

automate British  

/ ˈɔːtəˌmeɪt /

verb

1. to make (a manufacturing process, factory, etc) automatic, or (of a manufacturing process, etc) to be made automatic

---

Other Word Forms

• automatable adjective
• de-automate verb
• nonautomated adjective
• unautomated adjective

Etymology

Origin of automate

First recorded in 1950–55; back formation from automation

Explanation

When you design a machine to complete a process once done by a human, you automate the process. Standardized tests once had to be graded by hand, now they're automated, i.e. done by computers. If you automate a factory, workers might lose jobs to robots and machines. A century ago, if you did laundry, you had to turn the clothes in the drum by hand. It was really hard work, so hard that in many families one day was set aside as laundry day and everyone had to help. In 1937, the first electric, or automated, washer was sold, with a motor that turned the drum. Since then, the job has become much easier, though most of us still find it a chore.

Example Sentences

But as they race ahead to advance AI-powered tools that can generate text, images and code, workers are anxious that businesses will automate tasks and shrink their workforce workforces.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

One way to remove emotions from the equation is to automate your investing strategy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Though AI-assisted coding has been around for a while, new technology is making it possible to autonomously create apps—and automate nearly all aspects of software development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The team hopes to automate this process by adding computer vision and AI systems that can analyze surroundings and adjust the material in real time.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

You can write script files to automate the online work further.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize