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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Artificial intelligence began as a theoretical pursuit in the 1950s to automate human thought, but it took 21st-century computing power to fuel its recent explosion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The company has touted that as AI agents—which automate tasks for users—become more common in enterprises’ workflows, Okta can offer a way to manage the “non-human identities.”

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

A spokesperson said the firm planned to automate a number of manual tasks as part of this.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 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