operate

op·er·ate (äp′ər āt′)

intransitive verb -·at′ed, -·at′·ing

Etymology: < L operatus, pp. of operari, to work < opus (gen. operis): see opus

transitive verb

Now Rare to bring about as an effect
1. to put or keep in action; work (a machine, etc.)
2. to conduct or direct the affairs of (a business, etc.); manage
Informal to perform a surgical operation on

To keep in operation
manipulate, conduct, administer; see command 2, manage 1.
To be in operation
function, work, serve, carry on, run, revolve, act, behave, fulfill, turn, roll, spin, pump, lift, spark, explode, burn, move, progress, advance, proceed, go, contact, hit, engage, transport, convey, contain, exert, click*, tick*, percolate*; see also perform 1.
Antonyms stop*, stall*, break down. *
To produce an effect
react, act on, influence, bring about, determine, turn, bend, contrive, work, accomplish, fulfill, finish, complete, benefit, compel, promote, concern, enforce, take effect, have effect, work on, succeed, get results*, get across*, turn the trick*; see also achieve 1, produce 1.
To carry out a surgical procedure
excise, cut, remove diseased tissue, amputate, transplant an organ, set a bone, explore, carve up*; see also treat 3.

Object

profit: Sales revenues forged ahead, growing 19 % year on year whilst operating profit increased by 15 % .
machinery: Discuss with your doctor whether it is safe for you to drive or operate machinery.
system: A Central Remote Control is utilized which operates the whole system.
flight: Special Meals Dietary meals may be ordered on flights operated by SWISS, provided meal service is offered.
fleet: Coaches We operate a large fleet of modern high quality coaches.
theater: By 2008 the whole waiting time door of GP to door of operating theater is to be a maximum of 18 weeks.

Preposition: on

basis: Some of these schools operate on a first preference basis.
behalf: Privateers were commerce raiders operating on behalf of their home nations - the eighteenth century version of state-sponsored terrorism.

Preposition: at

temperature: This will cause the CPU to operate at a higher temperature and therefore decrease the life expectancy to 150000 hours.

Preposition: within

framework: These credits should operate within the national framework of equivalence.

Followed by an intransitive particle

upon: Dr. Hanley came in the next morning and said Fahad was strong enough to be operated upon.

Present participle complement

accord: Wants to cover if you home insurance owner policy sample operated according to the prefer to exercise.

Preposition: in

conjunction: Although the system at present mainly operates in conjunction with P2U, it will work with any pharmacy also ready for the EPS.
accordance: Many helplines operate in accordance with the guidelines produced by the Telephone Helplines Association.
isolation: No scientific discipline operates in isolation - doctors and dentists depend on chemistry, biology, physics and engineering.
tandem: Indeed, the idea is the two Acts will operate in tandem under the supervision of the Information Commissioner.
vacuum: These should no longer be isolated projects operating in a vacuum.
mode: On the issue of one versus many selves, I would argue there is one self that can operate in many modes.

Preposition: under

aegis: It operates under the aegis of UNESCO and IAEA.
umbrella: This regime is now known by the broader title of the Antarctic Treaty System, which operates under the umbrella of the annual ATCM.

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