regulate

American  

[reg-yuh-leyt] / ˈrɛg yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

regulated, regulating

1. to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc..

   The statute is intended to regulate the business practices of architects by establishing a code of professional conduct.

   Synonyms:

   dispose, arrange, adjust, order, conduct, manage, govern, rule

2. to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc..

   A film was applied to the windows to help regulate the temperature and reduce glare.

   Synonyms:

   set

3. to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation.

   If the watch is consistently off, it can be fixed relatively simply by regulating the beat rate.

4. to put or keep something in good order or within reasonable limits.

   Playful interactions with adult caregivers help children develop the ability to regulate their emotions and behavior.

   Synonyms:

   balance

5. Biology. to adjust or adapt (a bodily process or function) in response to external stimuli.

6. Genetics. to control the expression of (a gene or genes).

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regulate British  

/ ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control

2. to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly

3. to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage

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Other Word Forms

• misregulate
  verb (used with object)
• nonregulated
  adjective
• nonregulative
  adjective
• overregulate
  verb
• preregulate
  verb (used with object)
• quasi-regulated
  adjective
• regulative
  adjective
• regulatively
  adverb
• regulatory
  adjective
• reregulate
  verb (used with object)
• unregulated
  adjective
• unregulative
  adjective
• well-regulated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of regulate

First recorded in 1620–30, from Late Latin rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre “to direct”); see regula, -ate ¹

Explanation

The on-off spigot regulates the flow of water into your bathtub. When a government regulates an industry, they set standards the industry must follow. To regulate means to impose control. Regulate shares a root with the word, regular. When the transit authority regulates a train schedule, it makes sure trains arrive on a more regular schedule. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated –– before a drug can be marketed, it must be tested. On a more personal level, if you want to regulate your digestive system, try eating more fiber... or prunes!

Example Sentences

“He’s just pulled the rug out from under them. And again, it’s just completely unnecessary. Regulate, don’t eliminate.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2024

Tom Haren, a spokesperson for the pro-Issue 2 campaign Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, harshly criticized the Senate rewrite.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 4, 2023

Upon replying, Lusk discovered it had been posted by G-Funk icon Nate Dogg, whose work on songs like Warren G's Regulate and Dr Dre's The Next Episode saw him nicknamed "the king of hooks".

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2022

Regulate them as if they were money market mutual funds.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2021

Regulate your gait on me after you get your distance.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)

Related Words

• adjust
• administer
• balance
• classify
• conduct
• control
• coordinate
• determine
• govern
• handle
• improve
• monitor
• oversee
• readjust
• rectify
• standardize
• supervise