Operate - Definition

v 1: direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is
running a relief operation in the Sudan" [syn: operate,
run]
2: 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" [syn:
function, work, operate, go, run] [ant:
malfunction, misfunction]
3: handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after
imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever" [syn: operate,
control]
4: perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to
secure an advantage in attack or defense [syn: manoeuver,
maneuver, manoeuvre, operate]
5: happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?"
6: keep engaged; "engaged the gears" [syn: engage, mesh,
lock, operate] [ant: disengage, withdraw]
7: perform surgery on; "The doctors operated on the patient but
failed to save his life" [syn: operate on, operate]