WordWeb Online

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. (medicine) perform surgery on
   "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life";
   - operate on

Derived forms: operated, operating, operates

See also: operating

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