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

The Florida-based company, which has been operating as Spirit Airlines since 1992, has served cities throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

From Los Angeles Times

It will also pose a challenge to “Face the Nation” producers who already operate in an environment where real-time fact checking can’t always keep up with the misinformation presented by guests on the program.

From Los Angeles Times

But its administration highlights how tough the "value sector of retail is finding both trading conditions and the cost of operating on UK high streets", said retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth.

From BBC

Housing Department General Manager Tiena Johnson Hall called it “historic moment,” saying that the funding will go toward not only new construction, but housing preservation and operating assistance funding.

From Los Angeles Times

Arson, unsupervised kids and various agriculture, construction and landscaping equipment have been responsible for the lion’s share; however, even those are much more common along roadways and near developments, where BurnBot hopes to operate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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