operate

Verb

• perform surgery on
  • The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life
    

• keep engaged
  • engaged the gears
    

• happen
  • What is going on in the minds of the people?
    

• perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense

• handle and cause to function
  • do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
    
  • control the lever
    

• 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
    

• direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
  • She is running a relief operation in the Sudan
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  operate on , engage , mesh , lock , manoeuver , maneuver , manoeuvre , control , function , work , go , run
• Antonyms: 
  disengage , withdraw , malfunction , misfunction