WordWeb Online

1. Involved in a kind of operation
   "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond"
    
2. Being in effect or operation
   "the company had several operating divisions"
   - operational, in operation

1. Direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
   - run
    
2. Perform as expected when applied
   - 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
   - engage, mesh, lock
    
7. Perform surgery on
   "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life"
   - operate on

See also: operant, 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