operate (v.)

  1. direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; She is running a relief operation in the Sudan

    [ Syn: run ]

  2. perform as expected when applied; The washing machine wont go unless its plugged in; Does this old car still run well?; This old radio doesnt work anymore

    [ Syn: function , work , go , run ]

  3. handle and cause to function; do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol; control the lever

    [ Syn: control ]

  4. perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense

    [ Syn: manoeuver , maneuver , manoeuvre ]

  5. happen; What is going on in the minds of the people?'

  6. keep engaged; engaged the gears

    [ Syn: engage , mesh , lock ]

  7. perform surgery on; The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life

    [ Syn: operate on ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.