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

Anthropic is playing a more active role teaching customers how to use AI not only to improve employee productivity, but also to automate larger company functions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 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

Others automate the process using automatic communications scripts.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize