operate
     v 1: direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is
          running a relief operation in the Sudan" [syn: {run}]
     2: 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" [syn: {function},
         {work}, {go}, {run}] [ant: {malfunction}]
     3: handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery
        after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever" [syn: {control}]
     4: perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to
        secure an advantage in attack or defense [syn: {manoeuver},
         {maneuver}, {manoeuvre}]
     5: happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?"
     6: keep engaged; "engaged the gears" [syn: {engage}, {mesh}, {lock}]
        [ant: {disengage}]
     7: perform surgery on; "The doctors operated ont he patient but
        failed to save his life" [syn: {operate on}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0