Operate /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Operated; p. pr. & vb. n. Operating

1. To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.
2. To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; (Med.)
3. To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence.

   The virtues of private persons operate but on a few.

   A plain, convincing reason operates on the mind both of a learned and ignorant hearer as long as they live.

4. To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc. (Surg.)
5. To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. [Brokers' Cant]

1. To produce, as an effect; to cause.

   The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock.

2. To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.