operate — OAT

operate

verb

1 he can operate the machine:

work, make go, run, set off, use, utilize, employ, handle, control, wield, ply, manage, be in charge of;

drive, steer, guide, pilot, manipulate, maneuver, exercise.

2 the machine ceased to operate:

function, work, go, run, perform, act, be in action, behave, be in working/running order, be operative.

▷antonyms break down, fail.

3 the research will examine how the law operates in practice:

take effect, act, be in effect, be in force, be in operation, stand, apply, be applied, run, be/remain valid, be current, function, be efficacious, hold good, be the case.

4 Hechstetter continued to operate the mines until about 1634:

direct, control, manage, run, conduct, carry on, govern, administer, superintend, head (up), lead, look after, supervise, oversee, preside over, be in control/charge of.

5 when the results of the X-rays are known, doctors will decide whether to operate on Adis:

perform surgery, carry out an operation, intervene;

informal put someone under the knife.