operate

verb
UK: /ˈɒpəreɪt/
US: /ˈɑːpəreɪt/

  1. To control how a machine or vehicle works.

    1. I can operate this machine easily. [ ] [ ]
    2. Only trained personnel can operate the heavy equipment safely. [ ] [ ]

  2. To perform a surgical procedure.

    1. The doctor will operate on my knee. [ ] [ ]
    2. Surgeons must operate quickly to save the patient's life. [ ] [ ]

  3. To manage or control a business or organization.

    1. Our company operates in many countries. [ ] [ ]
    2. They operate several successful restaurants in the city center. [ ] [ ]

  4. To function or work in a particular way.

    1. The system operates efficiently now. [ ] [ ]
    2. This device operates using solar energy effectively. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

work function drive control conduct run exploit direct supervise use administer manage handle perform maneuver
operate intransitive-verb

  1. To be in effect; to be working or functioning.

    1. The new rules operate from Monday. [ ] [ ]
    2. These traffic lights operate twenty-four hours a day routinely. [ ] [ ]
operate transitive-verb

  1. To control or use something.

    1. Can you operate the camera? [ ] [ ]
    2. She knows how to operate a computer efficiently. [ ] [ ]

  2. To manage or run a business or other organization.

    1. They operate a small family business. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company operates several branches across the country successfully. [ ] [ ]

  3. To perform surgery on someone.

    1. The surgeon will operate tomorrow. [ ] [ ]
    2. The doctor had to operate quickly to save his life. [ ] [ ]
operate adjective

  1. To work, be in action, or have an effect.

    1. The plan is now in operate. [ ] [ ]
    2. The new policies are in operate since last week. [ ] [ ]
operate phrasal-verb

  1. Operate on: To perform surgery.

    1. Doctors operate on him today. [ ] [ ]
    2. They will operate on the patient's heart tomorrow morning. [ ] [ ]

  2. Operate something: To control something.

    1. I can operate this machine. [ ] [ ]
    2. Please operate the system according to guidelines. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "operate" in English means: To control how a machine or vehicle works., To perform a surgical procedure., To manage or control a business or organization., To function or work in a particular way..

The phonetic transcription of "operate" is /ˈɒpəreɪt/ in British English and /ˈɑːpəreɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "operate": work, function, drive, control, conduct, run, exploit, direct, supervise, use, administer, manage, handle, perform, maneuver.

Example usage of "operate": "I can operate this machine easily.". More examples on the page.