operate - Definition | Dictionary definition of operate

Definition of operate

direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.

Types:: show 4 types...; hide 4 types...; financier
conduct financial operations, often in an unethical manner; work
operate in or through; block
run on a block system; warm up
run until the normal working temperature is reached

perform as expected when applied

Antonyms:: malfunction
fail to function or function improperly; misfunction; show more antonyms...

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; double
do double duty; serve two purposes or have two functions; roll
begin operating or running; run
be operating, running or functioning; cut
function as a cutting instrument; serve, service
be used by; as of a utility

handle and cause to function

"do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"

Synonyms:: control; master
have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of

Types:: show 24 types...; hide 24 types...; synchronise, synchronize
operate simultaneously; dial
operate a dial to select a telephone number; turn
alter the functioning or setting of; submarine
control a submarine; treadle
operate (machinery) by a treadle; relay
control or operate by relay; gate
control with a valve or other device that functions like a gate; pedal
operate the pedals on a keyboard instrument; drive
operate or control a vehicle; coach
drive a coach; test drive
test a vehicle by driving it; drive
move by being propelled by a force; tool
drive; aviate, fly, pilot
operate an airplane; fly blind
fly an airplane solely by relying on instruments; fly contact
fly a plane by using visible landmarks or points of reference; solo
fly alone, without a co-pilot or passengers; test fly
test a plane; jet
fly a jet plane; glide
fly in or as if in a glider plane; hydroplane, seaplane
glide on the water in a hydroplane; balloon
ride in a hot-air balloon; flat-hat, hedgehop
fly very close to the ground; hang glide, soar
fly by means of a hang glider

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

happen

Type of:: come about, fall out, go on, hap, happen, occur, pass, pass off, take place
come to pass

keep engaged

Antonyms:: disengage
release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles; withdraw; show more antonyms...

Types:: show 4 types...; hide 4 types...; flip, switch, throw
cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation; switch on, turn on
cause to operate by flipping a switch; cut, switch off, turn off, turn out
cause to stop operating by disengaging a switch; ride
keep partially engaged by slightly depressing a pedal with the foot