View synonyms for operate

operate

[ op-uh-reyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

operated, operating.

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.
1. to carry on operations in war.
2. 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)

operated, operating.

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.

operate

/ ˈɒpəˌreɪt /

verb

to function or cause to function
tr to control the functioning of
operate 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
trusually foll byon 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

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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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of operate¹

C17: from Latin operāri to work

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operate

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

verb

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Word History and Origins

Word History and Origins

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