ˈäpəˌrāt sometimes ˈäˌprāt; usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin operatus, past participle of operari to work, from oper-, opus work, labor; akin to Sanskrit apas work, Old High German uoben to put to work, be active, Old English efnan to perform, Old Norse efna
intransitive verb
1. : to perform a work or labor : exert power or influence : produce an effect
a plain reason operates on the mind of a learned hearer
factors operating against our success
this remark operated to close the meeting in disorder
2. : to produce or take an appropriate effect : issue in the result designed
the drug operated quickly
3.
a. : to perform an operation or series of operations
a mill for operating on the crude ore
b. : to perform surgery
the doctor operates from 8 to 10
c. : to carry on a military or naval action or mission
d. : to function through the use of a specified agent
the tractor operates on diesel oil
4. : to trade or speculate in securities or commodities : act as a dealer or broker in the markets
operated largely in cotton futures
5. : to follow a course of conduct or way of life, especially one that is irregular or antisocial
operated as a salesman
crooked gamblers operating on the Atlantic liners
transitive verb
1. : to cause to occur : bring about by or as if by the exertion of positive effort or influence : initiate
such influences may operate remarkable changes
2.
a. : to cause to function usually by direct personal effort : work
operate a car
operating a drill press
b. : to manage and put or keep in operation whether with personal effort or not
operated a grocery store
3. : to perform surgery on
not all surgeons will operate malignant growths
the operated limb regained strength slowly
Synonyms: see act