controlled

American  

[kuhn-trohld] / kənˈtroʊld /

adjective

1. held in check; curbed.

   poorly controlled anger.

2. carefully regulated, tested, or verified.

   a controlled experiment.

3. (of a drug) restricted by law as to possession and use.

   Morphine is a controlled drug.

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Etymology

Origin of controlled

First recorded in 1580–90; control ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's controlled is kept in check or restrained. Your controlled laughter in math class won't get you in trouble, because it's muted and calm. Some people really blow their stacks when they get angry, while others express a controlled anger, calmly explaining their frustration. The ability to keep your emotions controlled is a useful one. A different meaning of controlled is "restricted by law," — many medications and drugs are classified as "controlled substances. The root of both controlled and control is the Latin contrarotulus, "a register, counter, or record of something."

Example Sentences

Controlled trials would be needed to test whether changing choline intake can alter brain chemistry or improve anxiety outcomes.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Controlled demand-led inflation is typically viewed as a sign that an economy is growing strongly and businesses are profitable, supporting wage growth and consumer spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Controlled countries are nations that are subject to embargoes or other trade restrictions.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

In July, Liverpool City Council changed the hours for paid parking in its City Centre Controlled Parking Zone to 7am until 11pm.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

Controlled by the great Ordainer I go on as He sets me on, like water running along a downward path.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan

Related Words

• measured
• ordered
• orderly
• organized
• structured
• supervised