v. i. | 1. | To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act. |
2. | (Med.) To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; | |
3. | To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence. | |
4. | (Surg.) To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc. | |
5. | To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. | |
v. t. | 1. | To produce, as an effect; to cause. |
2. | To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; |
Verb | 1. | operate - direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan" Synonyms: run |
2. | operate - perform as expected when applied; "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well?"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore" | |
3. | operate - handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever" Synonyms: control | |
4. | operate - perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense | |
5. | operate - happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?" | |
6. | operate - keep engaged; "engaged the gears" | |
7. | operate - perform surgery on; "The doctors operated ont he patient but failed to save his life" Synonyms: operate on |