operate
[verb]
Synonyms:
- work, act, function, go, perform, run
- handle, be in charge of, manage, manoeuvre, use, work

---

Related Idioms: make go
Related Words: play, manage, maneuver, drive, pilot, steer, ply, wield

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

op‧e‧rate S3 W2 /ˈɒpəreɪt $ ˈɑːp-/ verb
[Word Family: noun: operation, cooperation, operative, cooperative, operator; adjective: operational, operative, cooperative ≠ uncooperative; verb: operate, cooperate; adverb: operationally, cooperatively]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of operari 'to work', from opus; ⇒ opus]

1. MACHINE
a) [transitive] to use and control a machine or equipment:
The Lewis family operated a number of boats on the canal.
Clive was experienced in operating the computers.
b) [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a machine operates in a particular way, it works in that way
operate in/at
Check that the equipment is operating in a safe manner.
The bus is designed to operate in all weather conditions.
Most freezers operate at below –18°C.

2. BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION
a) [intransitive] if a business or organization operates in a particular place or way, it works in that place or way
operate in/within/from
a design company operating from offices in Seattle
A playgroup operates on the campus.
They were trying to reduce operating costs.
b) [transitive] to control a business or organization:
Nuns are operating an emergency hospital.

3. SYSTEM/PROCESS/SERVICE [intransitive and transitive] if a system, process, or service operates, or if you operate it, it works:
The whole tax system is now operating more efficiently.
The new law doesn’t operate in our favour.
The car parks operate a pay-as-you-leave system.
The bus company operates a Monday to Saturday service.

4. MEDICAL [intransitive] to cut into someone’s body in order to repair or remove a part that is damaged:
Doctors had to operate to remove the bullet.
operate on
the surgeon who operated on Taylor’s knee
► A doctor does not ‘operate’ a part of a person’s body. He or she operates on it: They need to operate on her stomach (NOT operate her stomach).

5. WORK [intransitive] to do your job or try to achieve things in a particular way:
Most people just can’t operate in noisy crowded conditions.
Older children often like to operate independently.

6. SOLDIERS/POLICE [intransitive] if soldiers or police officers are operating in an area, they are working in that area
operate in
Security patrols now operate in some of the most dangerous parts of the city.
enemy submarines operating in the Mediterranean

7. operate as something to have a particular purpose:
The foam operates as a very effective filter.
The car’s service manual is designed to operate as a guide for owners.

8. LAWS/PRINCIPLES [intransitive] to have an effect on something:
the laws of evolution operating on each species

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

operate
verb
I. machine
ADV. effectively, efficiently, reliably | continuously The machine can operate for 15 hours continuously at full power.
electrically, electronically, hydraulically, manually, remotely (= by remote control) The doors can be manually operated in the event of fire.
VERB + OPERATE be designed to systems designed to operate at the highest speeds
be easy to The machinery is easy to operate.
PHRASES battery operated

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

operate
II. business/system
ADV. effectively, efficiently, profitably, successfully | autonomously, independently | commercially The laboratory is still owned by the government but is now commercially operated.
VERB + OPERATE be able to | be allowed to | continue to
PREP. according to The government does not operate according to fixed rules.
as We operate as an advisory service for schools.
within Local authorities operate within a wider political system.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

operate
verb
BAD: Have you heard what happened to the last patient he operated?
GOOD: Have you heard what happened to the last patient he operated on?
BAD: My niece was recently operated for appendicitis.
GOOD: My niece was recently operated on for appendicitis.

Usage Note:
operate on sb : 'He is too weak at the moment to be operated on.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲