operate
/ˈɑpəˌreɪt/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To control the functioning of a machine, vehicle, or system.
He learned how to operate the heavy machinery safely during his apprenticeship.
Do you know how to operate this software program?
To function or work in a specified manner.
The solar panels operate most efficiently on clear, sunny days.
Does the emergency backup generator operate automatically during a power outage?
To manage, direct, or run a business or organization.
They operate several successful boutique hotels across the Pacific Northwest.
A local nonprofit operates the community kitchen downtown.
To perform a surgical procedure on a patient.
Surgeons will operate on her injured shoulder early tomorrow morning.
Has the medical team decided whether to operate immediately?
How it's used
When this means “control a machine or system”
- operate the machine
“operate it.”
She operated the crane with impressive precision.
When this means “perform surgery”
- operate on the patient
“operate on him.”
The specialist had to operate on the athlete's torn ligament.
Collocations
- operate heavy machinery
- operate a vehicle
- operate smoothly
- operate efficiently
- operate a business
- operate a franchise
- operating room