operate

/ˈɑpəˌreɪt/
verb
  1. To control or make something work, such as a machine, vehicle, or system.
    • Can you operate this coffee maker? It looks complicated.
    • The pilot must operate the plane's controls carefully during takeoff.
    • She learned to operate the forklift during her training.
  2. To work or function in a particular way.
    • The elevator operates smoothly even when full of people.
    • The new software operates much faster than the old version.
    • Our school operates on a semester system.
  3. To perform surgery on a patient.
    • He was rushed to the hospital, where a team operated for three hours.
    • The surgeon will operate on her knee tomorrow morning.
    • Doctors operate to remove the tumor and save the patient's life.
  4. To run or manage a business, organization, or service.
    • The charity operates shelters for homeless families in three cities.
    • They operate a small bakery in the downtown area.
    • She operates her own consulting firm from home.
Antonyms
What does "operate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean