population control

British  

noun

1. a policy of attempting to limit the growth in numbers of a population, esp in poor or densely populated parts of the world, by programmes of contraception or sterilization

---

population control Cultural  

1. In reaction to the prediction by Thomas Malthus that the world's population would soon outgrow its food supply, a movement began in the early twentieth century to limit the number of births and therefore limit the growth of the world's population. The movement is supported by groups such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation. A number of countries have made population control a national policy. To varying extents, the methods of population control include family planning, birth control, contraception, and abortion (see also abortion). These policies are opposed by many groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, and are controversial.

---

Example Sentences

Moscatelli wants the city and state governments to spend more, and to establish a wildlife care center for the lagoon capybaras’ health, monitoring, and population control.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Minister Seethakka told the Hindu newspaper that killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control could not be justified under any circumstances.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

The alleged purposes range from mind or population control to addressing climate change.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Last year, the government added bears to the list of animals subject to population control, reversing protection that had helped bears thrive.

From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025

Sen compares the population control in China, based on restrictive laws, with that in Kerala, India, based on emancipation of women and on influencing convictions under basic freedom of decision.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas