D defs.my
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Entry 7 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Operate

/äp'-ẽr-ātˌ/ · Op·er·ate · IPA /ˈɑpəɹeɪt/
01 v. i. To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
imp. & p. p. Operated; p. pr. & vb. n. Operating
  1. 1.
    To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
  2. 2.
    To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature;(Med.)
  3. 3.
    To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence.
    “The virtues of private persons operate but on a few.” — Atterbury.
    “A plain, convincing reason operates on the mind both of a learned and ignorant hearer as long as they live.” — Swift.
  4. 4.
    To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc.(Surg.)
  5. 5.
    To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits.[Brokers' Cant]
02 v. t. To produce, as an effect; to cause.
  1. 1.
    To produce, as an effect; to cause.
    “The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock.” — A. Hamilton.
  2. 2.
    To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.