operate
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.
This engine does not operate properly.
-
to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.
-
to act effectively; produce an effect; exert force or influence (often followed by on orupon ).
Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people.
-
to perform some process of work or treatment.
-
Surgery. to perform a surgical procedure.
-
(of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
-
Military.
-
to carry on operations in war.
-
to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
-
-
to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, especially speculatively or on a large scale.
-
Informal. to use devious means for one's own gain; insinuate oneself; finagle.
a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.
verb (used with object)
-
to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.).
Do you know how to operate a forklift?
-
to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation.
to operate a coal mine.
-
to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.
verb
-
to function or cause to function
-
(tr) to control the functioning of
operate a machine
-
to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc)
-
(intr) to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal)
-
(intr) to produce a desired or intended effect
-
to treat or process in a particular or specific way
-
(intr) to conduct military or naval operations
-
(intr) to deal in securities on a stock exchange
Other Word Forms
- operatable adjective
- preoperate verb (used without object)
- reoperate verb (used with object)
- unoperatable adjective
- unoperated adjective
- well-operated adjective
Etymology
Origin of operate
First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī, -āre “to work, be efficacious, effect, produce,” Latin: “to busy oneself,” verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus “work”; -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Anita Bhardwaj, senior coroner for Sefton, said the crossing had been "safe, compliant and operating as designed", adding it was "more likely than not that Sam did not hear the klaxon".
From BBC
Last year, the California State University system signed a nearly $17-million contract with OpenAI, the company that operates ChatGPT, including an agreement that the company will not train its models on student data.
From Los Angeles Times
Surveillance cameras will operate 24 hours a day for added protection of the remains.
From Barron's
They typically operate at 50, 60% margin because their selling side is more valuable.
From Barron's
The FA Cup operates on a random draw and has done since it began in 1871.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
