op‧e‧rate S3 W2 / ɒpəreɪt $ ɑp- / 动词

1 machine

a) [及物动词] to use and control a machine or equipment :

The Lewis family operated a number of boats on the canal.

Clive was experienced in operating the computers.

b) [ intransitive always + 副词 / 介词 ] if a machine operates in a particular way, it works in that way

operate in/at

Check that the equipment is operating in a safe manner.

The bus is designed to operate in all weather conditions.

Most freezers operate at below –18°C.

2 business/organization

a) [不及物动词] if a business or organization operates in a particular place or way, it works in that place or way

operate in/within/from

a design company operating from offices in Seattle

A playgroup operates on the campus.

They were trying to reduce operating costs .

b) [及物动词] to control a business or organization :

Nuns are operating an emergency hospital.

3 system/process/service [不及物和及物动词] if a system, process, or service operates, or if you operate it, it works :

The whole tax system is now operating more efficiently.

The new law doesn’t operate in our favour.

The car parks operate a pay-as-you-leave system.

The bus company operates a Monday to Saturday service.

4 medical [不及物动词] to cut into someone’s body in order to repair or remove a part that is damaged :

Doctors had to operate to remove the bullet.

operate on

the surgeon who operated on Taylor’s knee ► A doctor does not ‘operate’ a part of a person’s body. He or she operates on it : They need to operate on her stomach (NOT operate her stomach).

5 work [不及物动词] to do your job or try to achieve things in a particular way :

Most people just can’t operate in noisy crowded conditions.

Older children often like to operate independently.

6 soldiers/police [不及物动词] if soldiers or police officers are operating in an area, they are working in that area

operate in

Security patrols now operate in some of the most dangerous parts of the city.

enemy submarines operating in the Mediterranean

7 operate as something to have a particular purpose :

The foam operates as a very effective filter.

The car’s service manual is designed to operate as a guide for owners.

8 laws/principles [不及物动词] to have an effect on something :

the laws of evolution operating on each species