1. to work, perform, or function, as a machine does. 2. to exert force or influence (often fol. by on or upon). 3. to perform some process of work or treatment. 4. to perform a surgical procedure. 5. a. to carry on military operations in war. b. to give orders and carry out military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
business, organization If you operate a business or organization, you work to keep it running properly. If a business or organization operates, it carries out its work.
to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation: to operate a coal mine. to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.
operate (third-person singular simple present operates, present participle operating, simple past and past participle operated) (transitive or intransitive) To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
1. To control the functioning of; run: operate a sewing machine. 2. To conduct the affairs of; manage: operate a business. 3. To supply with power: a car that is operated by electricity.
Once your hand is working again, you'll be able to operate your buzz saw with ease. Operate comes from a Latin root related to opus, "work," and it's a verb that can be used for all kinds of work.
