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.

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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

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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

Example Sentences

Sweetgreen closed the sale of its automated kitchen technology, dubbed Infinite Kitchen, to the takeout and food delivery company Wonder Group last month.

From Los Angeles Times

Assist Pro provides essentially hands-free, point-to-point autonomous driving in urban environments, allowing users to automate the daily grind with the touch of a button.

From The Wall Street Journal

Certainly automate regular bills like utilities and mortgage.

From MarketWatch

Unromantic about what life is like for most seafarers, Henderson dreams of making automated battery-powered container ships with no crew at all.

From The Wall Street Journal

Management consultancy McKinsey recently forecast that 30 percent of US jobs could be automated by 2030, with 60 percent significantly altered.

From Barron's

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize