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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.

Federal investigations were still trying to determine why authorities in Jalisco state took no action for years, despite indications that the cartel had been operating at the ranch since at least 2021.

From

When the BBC World Service Eye Investigations team visited the area, Turkish aircraft pummelled the mountains surrounding the village to root out PKK militants, who have long operated from caves and tunnels in northern Iraq.

From

The university will seek additional public funding under the new scheme, which would also see further cost reductions pursued and a new operating model put into place.

From

However companies such as Adidas say the US lacks factories with the specialised equipment to make running shoes and workers with the knowledge to operate them.

From

Trump trained his ire instead on Jerome H. Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, who by law is meant to operate independently until his term ends in the spring of next year.

From

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opera seriaoperatic