Overview of verb operate

The verb operate has 7 senses

• operate, run -- (direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan")


• function, work, operate, go, run -- (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")


• operate, control -- (handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever")


• manoeuver, maneuver, manoeuvre, operate -- (perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense)


• operate -- (happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?")


• engage, mesh, lock, operate -- (keep engaged; "engaged the gears")


• operate on, operate -- (perform surgery on; "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life")

Overview of adj operating

The adj operating has 2 senses

• operating -- (involved in a kind of operation; "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond")


• operational, in operation, operating -- (being in effect or operation; "de facto apartheid is still operational even in the `new' African nations"- Leslie Marmon Silko; "bus service is in operation during the emergency"; "the company had several operating divisions")