operate

[op-uh-reyt]

verb (used without object)

operated, operating 

1. to work, perform, or function, as a machine does.

   This engine does not operate properly.

2. to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.

3. 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.

4. to perform some process of work or treatment.

5. Surgery.,  to perform a surgical procedure.

6. (of a drug) to produce the effect intended.

7. Military.

   1. to carry on operations in war.

   2. to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.

8. to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, especially speculatively or on a large scale.

9. 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)

operated, operating 

1. to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.).

   Do you know how to operate a forklift?

2. to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation.

   to operate a coal mine.

3. to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.

operate

/ ˈɒpəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to function or cause to function

2. (tr) to control the functioning of

   operate a machine

3. to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc)

4. (intr) to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal)

5. (intr) to produce a desired or intended effect

6. to treat or process in a particular or specific way

7. (intr) to conduct military or naval operations

8. (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

Origin of operate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of operate¹

C17: from Latin operāri to work

Example Sentences

Tuchel, importantly, is operating and selecting from a position of strength after the outstanding 5-0 win away to Serbia in England's last World Cup qualifier.

From BBC

She told Wan how lines in the song The Life of a Showgirl are about how to "operate within this industry".

From BBC

VertiPorts by Atlantic is a subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation, which already operates a network of private plane terminals at airports that could also be used by eVTOLs.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our members reserve the right to not be in business with representatives who are operating in an unfair conflict of interest, who are operating in bad faith,” Astin said.

From Los Angeles Times

McCaffrey, however, will be operating in an offense that will be without key several players because of injuries.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• achieve 
• act 
• complete 
• conduct 
• do 
• engage 
• keep 
• move 
• produce 
• promote 
• run 
• serve 
• take 
• transport 
• work