operate

[ op-uh-reyt ]

/ ˈɒp əˌreɪt /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: operate / operated / operates / operating on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing.

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 or upon): 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), op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing.

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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”; see -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM operate

op·er·at·a·ble, adjectivepre·op·er·ate, verb (used without object), pre·op·er·at·ed, pre·op·er·at·ing.re·op·er·ate, verb (used with object), re·op·er·at·ed, re·op·er·at·ing.un·op·er·at·a·ble, adjective

un·op·er·at·ed, adjectivewell-op·er·at·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use operate in a sentence

The center operates from a magnificent Victorian home on Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley: A City That Fights for the Rights of All|LGBTQ-Editor|November 20, 2020|No Straight News
The panelists on the Fortune Investor Roundtable see that trend not just as a good thing, but as something that could lead to permanent, meaningful changes in how companies operate in the world.
Why investors like socially responsible companies|matthewheimer|November 20, 2020|Fortune
Fitness centers and sports facilities can operate at 75 percent capacity, with a 25-person limit.
Virginia’s coronavirus numbers are rising. Here’s what you need to know.|Antonio Olivo|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
That’s why we will continue to operate HuffPost as its own brand and its own digital destination.
BuzzFeed buys HuffPost from Verizon in latest new-media deal|Verne Kopytoff|November 19, 2020|Fortune

In Phase 1, according to health guidance, schools should not operate in-person.
Once again, a deal between D.C. and the teachers union collapses|Perry Stein|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
AirAsia Indonesia, which operated Flight 8501, is the Indonesian subsidiary of AirAsia, which is based in Malaysia.
Annoying Airport Delays Might Prevent You From Becoming the Next AirAsia 8501|Clive Irving|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
During two years in Iranian custody, Abdolhamid provided crucial details of how Jundullah operated.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan|Umar Farooq|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Asteroids, at the moment I am writing, is the most popular coin-operated game—video, pinball, or other—in the United States.
‘Asteroids’ & The Dawn of the Gamer Age|David Owen|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While a panoply of other circuses operated, these grew even larger.
We’re All Carnies Now: Why We Can’t Quit the Circus|Anthony Paletta|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She operated it for 16 years before putting it in the hands of one of her mistresses.
Whip It: Secrets of a Dominatrix|Justin Jones|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
General Monet operated in the north against the rebels with Spanish and native auxiliary forces.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Branches are to be operated under rules and regulations approved by the Federal Reserve Board.
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips
In the French Mustel reed organ the first touch is operated by depressing the keys about a sixteenth part of an inch.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building|George Laing Miller
Messrs. Thomas Nelson and Sons have generously co-operated in permitting the use of the best translation.
His Last Week|William E. Barton
He, happily, discovered the cause of my trouble, and forthwith operated upon me.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow

British Dictionary definitions for operate

operate

/ (ˈɒpəˌreɪt) /

verb

to function or cause to function

(tr) to control the functioning ofoperate 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

(tr usually foll by on) 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

Word Origin for operate

C17: from Latin operāri to work

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

operate

Origin of operate

OTHER WORDS FROM operate

Words related to operate

How to use operate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for operate

Word Origin for operate