The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - operate v.

1) go, run, perform; work, function, serve, act: This watch operates even under water. The drug operates to reduce blood pressure. 2) manage, run, direct, conduct, control, carry on, ply, manipulate, handle; US drive: Katherine has been operating as an antiques dealer for years. It is unsafe to operate this machinery without goggles.