opérer

Senses

1. 1.

   to operate

   to perform a surgical procedure or medical intervention

2. 2.

   to operate, to work

   to function or run (of machines, systems, organizations)

3. 3.

   to carry out, to effect

   to accomplish or bring about a change or action

4. 4.

   to operate

   to conduct military or business operations

Examples

• "Le chirurgien a opéré le patient ce matin."

  The surgeon operated on the patient this morning.

• "Cette machine opère sans interruption depuis des années."

  This machine has been operating without interruption for years.

• "La réforme a opéré un changement radical dans le système éducatif."

  The reform brought about a radical change in the educational system.

Usage

Opérer is a standard, formal verb used in medical, technical, and institutional contexts. In medical contexts, it requires the preposition 'sur' (to operate on someone). Commonly used in formal writing and professional discourse. Do not confuse with 'fonctionner' for everyday 'working', though both can apply to machines in formal settings.