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

While some experts say the role AI has been playing is overblown, advancements in technology have also made it possible to generate code and automate other tasks.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The bullish case for the artificial-intelligence trade is built on an aggressive upgrade cycle, in which companies adopt agents to automate tasks.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

The easiest way to stay on track with your paycheck plan is to automate those allocations.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Dynatrace specializes in so-called observability platforms that are powered by AI and help companies monitor and automate their own software systems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Others automate the process using automatic communications scripts.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize