operate
/ˈɒpəreɪt/verb
1
- with obj.(of a person) control the functioning of (a machine, process, or system)（人）操作（机器、过程或系统）：
a shortage of workers to operate new machines
操作新机器的人手短缺
the Prime Minister operates a system of divide and rule.
首相实施分而治之的制度。
1.1
- no obj., with adverbial(of a machine, process, or system) function in a specified manner（机器、过程或系统）运作：
market forces were allowed to operate freely.
市场力量获准自由运作。
1.2
- no obj. be in effect实施; 生效：
there is a powerful law which operates in politics.
在政治上有一条行之有效的强大规律。
1.3
- (of a person or organization) manage and run (a business)（人, 机构）经营：
many foreign companies operate factories in the United States.
许多外国公司在美国经营工厂。
1.4
- no obj., with adverbial(of an organization) be managed and run in a specified way（机构）被经营：
neither company had operated within the terms of its constitution.
两家公司一家也没有按照其规章经营。
1.5
- no obj., with adverbial(of an armed force) conduct military activities in a specified area or from a specified base（军事力量）在特定地区（或由特定基地）展开军事活动, 作战。
2
- no obj. perform a surgical operation动手术：
my brother had to be operated on last week
我弟弟上星期不得不动了手术
the surgeons refused to operate.
外科医生们拒绝动手术。
词源
early 17th cent.: from Latin operat- 'done by labour', from the verb operari, from opus, oper- 'work'.