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1. Direct or control (projects, businesses, etc.)
   "She is operating a relief operation in the Sudan"
   - run
    
2. Perform as expected when applied
   "This old radio doesn't operate anymore"
   - function, work, go, run
    
3. Handle and cause to function
   "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"
   - control
    
4. Perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defence
   - manoeuver [non-standard], maneuver [US], manoeuvre [Brit, Cdn]
    
5. Happen
    
6. Keep engaged
   "operated the gears"
   - engage, mesh, lock
    
7. Perform surgery on
   "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life"
   - operate on

Derived forms: operates, operated, operating

See also: operant, operating, operation, operative, operator

Type of: care for, come about, direct, displace, fall out, go, go on, hap, happen, manipulate, move, occur, pass, pass off, take place, treat

Encyclopedia: Operate