This meaning is often used when talking about making machines work. You use it when someone makes something like a device or machine do its job.
He operates the coffee machine well.
She operates the car every day.
This meaning means the doctor cuts or treats a body to fix a health problem. It is about medical operations.
The doctor will operate on the patient.
The vet operates on sick animals.
This meaning is about managing or running a business or organization. It means making it work well and serve customers or users.
They operate a small restaurant downtown.
The company operates many stores.
This meaning means something works or causes change by using power or influence. It shows how rules or forces affect things.
Old rules still operate in this region.
The law operates to protect people.
