operate under

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle under

Meanings

1

Function according to a particular condition or rule

Why “under”? Something is under a rule, group, burden, or close check. It works inside that pressure.

We operate under strict regulations.
We function according to strict regulations.
The lab operates under safety rules.
The lab functions according to safety rules.

Don't confuse with

operate underoperate on

Operate under means function according to a particular condition or rule. Operate on means perform surgery on someone.

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We operate under strict regulations. What does it mean?

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