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

Public, a privately held brokerage firm, is rolling out a feature allowing customers to use AI to automate investing tactics and execute trades.

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

Powell highlighted cybersecurity as a large financial risk and predicted AI would automate many back-office and middle-management jobs.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Bezos has led Amazon to automate much of its massive distribution network, which now may have more robots than people by some measures.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

He entered the receptionist's office, flicked a hand at LaVerne Sandell, one of the few employees it seemed impossible to automate out of her position, and said, "The Chief is probably expecting me."

From Subversive by Schoenherr, John

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize