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

Example Sentences

But as they race ahead to advance AI-powered tools that can generate text, images and code, workers are anxious that businesses will automate tasks and shrink their workforce workforces.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Some investment firms are separately investing hundreds of millions of dollars to buy up companies in industries such as accounting and customer service so they can automate them with AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

One way to remove emotions from the equation is to automate your investing strategy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The team hopes to automate this process by adding computer vision and AI systems that can analyze surroundings and adjust the material in real time.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

Others automate the process using automatic communications scripts.

From The Online World by De Presno, Odd

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize