operate

1. (intransitive, transitive) To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
2. (intransitive) To produce an effect.
3. (intransitive) To produce an effect.
4. (intransitive) To produce an effect.
5. (transitive) To bring about as an effect; to cause.
6. (intransitive, transitive) To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc.
7. (intransitive, transitive) To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits.
8. (transitive) To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɒpəɹeɪt/

Etymology

From Latin operātus, perfect passive participle of operor (“to work, labor, toil, have effect”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Synonyms

work

run

function

act

manage

perform

use

manipulate

conduct

handle

go

move

control

drive

employ

administer

do

lead

direct

operate on

wield

turn on

switch on

shift

behave

take action

engage

mesh

administrate

pull strings

play

lock

🔒

ply

boss

swing

stir

supervise

serve

change

regulate

shake

🫨

officiate

carry on

manoeuvre

operation

dissect

maneuver

guide

intervene

apply

Translations

opérer

operare

operar

operar

operieren

fonctionner

funzionare

działać

operar

funcionar

agire

opereren

werken

functioneren

λειτουργώ