operate

[ op-uh-reyt ]

verb (used without object)

, op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing.

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 or upon ):

   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)

, op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing.

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. trusually foll byon 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 Words From

• oper·ata·ble adjective
• pre·oper·ate verb (used without object) preoperated preoperating
• re·oper·ate verb (used with object) reoperated reoperating
• un·oper·ata·ble adjective
• un·oper·ated adjective
• well-oper·ated 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

Do you operate in the background and put politicians and other institutions in the foreground, or do you actually engage in the most extreme way possible, which is to fund yourself as a political candidate, which some oligarchs have done?

From Slate

"Despite being told how things would operate in advance, to see the exact opposite occur in some cases, and to see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating," the FSA added.

From BBC

At the time, Rios and Rodriguez were among hundreds of residents who opposed an ordinance that would allow cannabis retailers to operate in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Like their American counterparts, Russian police operate on a system of quotas, and to meet those demands a common tactic was to catch a low-level seller or user, then put the squeeze on them till they turn in their buddies.

From Salon

While not etched in law, political tradition in this country since Watergate has been for the Justice Department to operate independently of the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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