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operate
[op-uh-reyt]
verb (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.
operate
/ ˈɒpəˌreɪt /
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
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of operate1
Example Sentences
But earlier this year a company operating out of China pretending to be a Birmingham-based jewellers began using the C'est la vie name, damaging the reputation of Ms Newman's business.
Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland requires a licence to operate, with similar plans under way in Wales.
I'm 47 next week, so that's quite old for somebody to be operating at this level, running around after people a lot younger than you.
"The languages of these natives were strictly forbidden... and forced them to operate within an economic system dominated by the colonial languages," van Sitters told AFP.
Recently, he has heard that policy uncertainty has become the dominant factor in shaping how many firms operate, he says.
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