operate

verb

UK /ˈɒpəreɪt/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	operate
he/she/it	operates
present participle	operating
past tense	operated
past participle	operated

1
intransitive if equipment operates, it works and does what it is intended to do
The ventilation equipment was not operating properly.
operate on/at:
Many computers were still operating on a two-digit dating system.
The motor operates at very high speeds.
Synonyms and related words
To work, or to start working (of a piece of machinery)
operate
come on
function
1. 1a
  transitive to use and control a piece of equipment
  You should not operate machinery after taking this medication.
  My job was to operate the telephone switchboard.
  Synonyms and related words
  To make a machine or piece of equipment work
  activate
  actuate
  coax
2
intransitive if an organization or company operates, it does its work
The company has been operating in Europe for two years.
operate as:
Richardson’s will in future operate as a subsidiary of AFA.
operate under/within:
All the parties have to operate within the democratic system.
operate on a basis/principle:
The organization operates on a non-profit basis.
Synonyms and related words
To do business and relating to doing business
account
after hours
asset
1. 2a
  transitive to run a company or organization
  The car hire business is operated as a separate company.
  Synonyms and related words
  To do business and relating to doing business
  account
  after hours
  asset
3
transitive to organize a service or system and make it available to people
The government will operate an interest-free loan system.
a licence to operate a passenger transport network
Synonyms and related words
To create order in a system or activity
structure
reorganize
prioritize
1. 3a
  intransitive if a service or system operates, it exists and is available
  Flights operate every day from Birmingham.
  Synonyms and related words
  Available and to be, or to become available
  available
  public
  spare
  Synonyms and related words
  To exist
  exist
  operate
  live
4
intransitive to cut into part of someone’s body for medical reasons
Surgeons had to operate to remove the bullet.
operate on:
The driver of the car was operated on immediately.
We may have to operate on your leg.
Synonyms and related words
To perform a medical test, treatment or operation
abort
anaesthetise
anaesthetize
5
intransitive if something such as a rule, idea, or fact operates, it exists and has an effect in a particular situation
Racism operates at many levels, conscious and unconscious.
Very different factors were operating in the local and national elections.
operate as:
This law effectively operates as a tax on education.
Synonyms and related words
To have an effect
shape
impact
affect
6
intransitive if someone operates in a particular way, that is how they achieve what they want to do
operate as:
The sales staff usually operate as a team.
operate by doing something:
Carlson operated by gaining people’s confidence and then taking their money.
She won’t argue with you – that’s not how she operates.
Synonyms and related words
To make progress, or to achieve something
progress
get on with
get ahead

operate ​‌‌‌

operate ​‌‌‌

operate

operate