operate

op|er|ate [ `apə,reıt ] verb ***

▸ 1 equipment: work

▸ 2 organization: work

▸ 3 make medical cut in body

▸ 4 system: be available

▸ 5 rule: have effect

▸ 6 do something in a particular way

1. ) intransitive if equipment operates, it works and does what it is intended to do:

The ventilation equipment was not operating properly.

operate on/at: Many computers were still operating on a two-digit dating system.

The generator will operate even during a power outage.

a ) transitive to use and control a piece of equipment:

You should not operate machinery after taking this medication.

My job was to operate the telephone switchboard.

2. ) intransitive if an organization or company operates, it does its work:

The company has been operating in South America for two years.

operate as: The new business will operate as a subsidiary of our company.

operate under/within: All the parties have to operate within the democratic system.

operate on a basis/principle: The organization operates on a nonprofit basis.

a ) transitive to run a company or organization:

The casino is operated as a separate business from the hotel.

3. ) intransitive to cut into part of someone's body for medical reasons:

Surgeons had to operate to remove the bullet.

operate on: The driver of the car was operated on immediately.

We may have to operate on your leg.

4. ) transitive to organize a service or system and make it available to people:

This government agency operates the war on drugs.

a license to operate an airport limousine service

a ) intransitive if a service or system operates, it exists and is available:

Flights operate daily from Miami.

5. ) intransitive if something such as a rule, idea, or fact operates it exists and has an effect in a particular situation:

Racism operates at many levels, conscious and unconscious.

Very different factors were operating in the local and national elections.

operate as: This law effectively operates as a tax on education.

6. ) intransitive if someone operates in a particular way that is how they achieve what they want to do:

She won't argue with you, that's not how she operates.

operate by doing something: Carlson operated by gaining people's confidence and then taking their money.

operate as: The sales force usually operates as a team.