perform surgery on; "The doctors operated ont he patient but failed to save his life";
happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?";
perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense;
handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever";
keep engaged; "engaged the gears";
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";
direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan";
