(of a machine or system) to work or function in the way it was designed
You must fix the wiring before the elevator can operate again.
My old wristwatch still operates perfectly after twenty years.
to control or use a machine, device, or piece of equipment
Only trained pilots are allowed to operate the aircraft.
She learned to operate the 3D printer in one afternoon.
(of a person, company, or service) to carry out business or be active, especially in a particular place or way
The bakery will operate seven days a week during the holidays.
They operate mainly in South America and Asia.
running or controlling something so that it works as it should
The technician is operating the 3-D printer during the demonstration.
Emergency workers kept operating the pumps all night to remove the floodwater.
to perform surgery on someone
The surgeon will operate on the patient at noon.
Doctors had to operate immediately to stop the bleeding.
(of a law, rule, or force) to have an effect or exert influence
The new law will operate to protect tenants from unfair rent increases.
In zero gravity, different physical laws operate.
to work together with another person or group so that you can all reach the same goal
The two companies agreed to cooperate on developing new electric cars.
During the group project, all the students cooperated to finish the model on time.
✦ From Latin cooperārī, from co- (“together”) + operārī (“to work”).
to be helpful by doing what someone asks or expects you to do, especially an authority
The suspect refused to cooperate with the police during questioning.
Please cooperate and stay seated until the airplane has stopped.
✦ Same origin as other sense: from Latin cooperārī, meaning “work together.”
