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

Artificial intelligence threatens Workday’s business model by automating software development and changing user interaction.

From Barron's

“AI makes the economics work by automating what used to require armies of consultants, freeing your engineers to make the migration decisions that require their domain expertise,” the company wrote.

From MarketWatch

Most were closed after an automated system found no illicit activity or they didn’t meet escalation criteria, according to documents.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company also has plans to renovate another 191 stores, and said it continues to progress the construction of its large automated distribution center in Caledon, Ontario.

From The Wall Street Journal

They extolled the company’s business, which uses AI to help customers automate help-desk requests and other tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• automatize
• mechanize