Operate

/ˈɒpəreɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To control the functioning of a machine, process, or system.

He learned how to operate the new software program efficiently.

To conduct business or a particular activity.

The company operates in over 50 countries worldwide.

To perform a surgical procedure.

The doctors will operate on the patient to remove the tumor.

To be in effect or to have an effect.

The regulations operate differently in each state.

To deal effectively with something.

He struggled to operate under the pressure of the deadline.

From Latin 'operari' meaning 'to work, labor'.

operate under pressure

To perform well in stressful situations.

operate on a need-to-know basis

Restricted access to information only to those who need it.

operate by the book

To strictly follow rules and guidelines.

operation

A process of functioning or action.

operator

A person or entity that operates something.

To be in control or charge of

She really knows how to operate in this industry.

To engage in activities, often in a clever or shrewd way

He's pretty good at operating behind the scenes.