operate
verb
op·er·ate ˈä-pə-ˌrāt 
ˈä-ˌprāt
operated; operating
intransitive verb
1
: to perform a function : exert power or influence
factors operating against our success
2
: to produce an appropriate effect
the drug operated quickly
3
a
: to perform an operation or a series of operations
The refinery is planning to begin operating as soon as possible.
b
: to perform surgery
The surgeon has been operating all morning.
c
: to carry on a military or naval action or mission
The army will operate in conjunction with the air force.
4
: to follow a course of conduct that is often irregular
crooked gamblers operating in the club
transitive verb
1
: bring about, effect
2
a
: to cause to function : work
operate an automobile
b
: to put or keep in operation
operated a grocery store
3
: to perform an operation on
especially : to perform surgery —usually used with on
operate on a patient
operating on a brain tumor
Synonyms
- handle
- run
- work
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. The camera also operates underwater. The machine can operate at high speeds. instructions for operating the new microwave oven a license to operate a motor vehicle The café is owned and operated by a young couple. The organization operates a recycling program. It's the only casino operating in the state. The company operates from Chicago. a militant group operating against the government See More
Recent Examples on the Web The company filed three complaints in Cook County Circuit Court in hopes the Tinley Park businesses can continue to operate their video gaming machines instead of serving a three-day suspension. 
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Cinemas will continue to operate and employees will continue getting their wages and benefits while Cineworld goes through bankruptcy. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2022 The plant’s Ukrainian staff continue to operate it. Hanna Arhirova, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Sep. 2022 Boulevard, Fernway, Lomond, Mercer and Onaway would continue to operate as elementary schools, likely serving students in grades K-5. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 5 Sep. 2022 Authorities in Shenzhen and Chengdu have reassured their residents that food and drug supplies are adequate and that basic delivery and ride-hailing services can continue to operate. Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Ballard’s owner, Steven Filippi, fought the decision; the state granted his appeal and restored the licenses with restrictions on Aug. 24, allowing the company to continue to operate with additional security and other measures. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2022 The owners will continue to operate SIlver Star Cafe in Park City. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 Russia's military has occupied much of the region for months, but Ukrainian workers continue to operate the plant, Europe's largest. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2022 See More
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Sep. 2022 Cinemas will continue to operate and employees will continue getting their wages and benefits while Cineworld goes through bankruptcy. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2022 The plant’s Ukrainian staff continue to operate it. Hanna Arhirova, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Sep. 2022 Boulevard, Fernway, Lomond, Mercer and Onaway would continue to operate as elementary schools, likely serving students in grades K-5. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 5 Sep. 2022 Authorities in Shenzhen and Chengdu have reassured their residents that food and drug supplies are adequate and that basic delivery and ride-hailing services can continue to operate. Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Ballard’s owner, Steven Filippi, fought the decision; the state granted his appeal and restored the licenses with restrictions on Aug. 24, allowing the company to continue to operate with additional security and other measures. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2022 The owners will continue to operate SIlver Star Cafe in Park City. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 Russia's military has occupied much of the region for months, but Ukrainian workers continue to operate the plant, Europe's largest. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 1 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious, effect, produce," going back to Latin, "to busy oneself, be at work," probably back-formation from operātus "busy, engaged, occupied with religious observances," from opera "activity, effort" + -ātus -ate entry 3 — more at opera entry 2
First Known Use
1588, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1
Kids Definition
operate
verb
op·er·ate ˈä-pə-ˌrāt
operated; operating
1
: to work or cause to work in a proper or particular way
The machine is operating smoothly.
He will learn to operate a car.
2
: manage sense 1
They operate a farm.
3
: to perform surgery : do an operation on
The doctors operated on the patient.
Medical Definition
operate
verb
op·er·ate ˈäp-(ə-)ˌrāt
operated; operating
intransitive verb
: to perform surgery
transitive verb
: to perform surgery on
operated the growth
operate
verb
1
as in to use
to control the mechanical operation of do not operate heavy machinery, including cars, after taking this medication Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- use
- handle
- work
- run
- drive
- manipulate
- control
- wield
- maneuver
- steer
- direct
- ply
- guide
- pilot
- command
2
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about it takes years to learn how to operate that kind of business so that it makes money Synonyms & Similar Words
- manage
- regulate
- supervise
- oversee
- control
- handle
- run
- conduct
- govern
- administer
- tend
- direct
- administrate
- keep
- protect
- guide
- carry on
- watch over
- superintend
- steward
- steer
- overlook
- safeguard
- watch
- preside (over)
- lead
- pilot
- guard
- mind
- micromanage
- codirect
- comanage
- stage-manage
- care (for)
3
as in to perform
to produce a desired effect the medicine will take an hour or so to operate the first time you use it Synonyms & Similar Words
- perform
- work
- act
- take
- react
- respond
- take effect
- behave
- affect
- take hold
- result
- influence
- sway
- pan out
- redound
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- backfire
- fizzle
4
as in to utilize
to put into action or service wouldn't dream of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol Synonyms & Similar Words
- use
- utilize
- apply
- employ
- exploit
- harness
- exercise
- draw on
- handle
- wield
- manipulate
- draw upon
- work
- bring to bear
- run
- make use of
- direct
- cannibalize
- recycle
- reuse
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ignore
- neglect
- misuse
- misapply
- lady's-paintbrush
- lady's-paintbrushes
- lady's-pocket
- lady's-pockets
- lady's-purse
- lady's-purses
- lady's-smock
- lady's-sorrel
- lady's-sorrels
- lady's-thimble
- lady's-thimbles
- lady's-tobacco
- lady-help
- lady-in-waiting
- lady-killer
- lady-killers
- lady-killing
- lady-of-the-night
- ladybeetles
- ladybirds
- ladybug
- ladybugs
- ladycows
- ladyfied
- ladyfies