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View synonyms for

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 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)

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

/ ˈɒəˌɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • DZİ·a· adjective
  • ·DZİ·ٱ verb (used without object) preoperated preoperating
  • ·DZİ·ٱ verb (used with object) reoperated reoperating
  • un·DZİ·a· adjective
  • ܲ·DZİ·e adjective
  • ɱ-DZİ·e adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of operate1

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin DZٳܲ, past participle of operārī, -āre “to work, be efficacious, effect, produce,” Latin: “to busy oneself,” verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus “wǰ”; -ate 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of operate1

C17: from Latin DZ to work
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Ms Airoll said silent transitions had worked well within some of the other 18 schools within the Learning Partnership Trust, which operated predominantly in the capital.

From

Built in 1939 as the Floral Hall, the Ocean Room is a distinctive rotunda building, and for the past 50 years has operated as a night club and function venue.

From

Google’s Android smartphone operating system also makes use of some aspects of Chromium to ensure that web pages load properly on phones, he said.

From

CBS executives not authorized to comment noted that “60 Minutes” has a long history of operating independently and Owens was likely not used to the additional oversight implemented in recent months.

From

The row comes at a time when Africa is supposed to be moving towards greater free trade through the establishment of a continent-wide free-trade area, which began operating four years ago.

From

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