controlled
Americanadjective
-
held in check; curbed.
poorly controlled anger.
-
carefully regulated, tested, or verified.
a controlled experiment.
-
(of a drug) restricted by law as to possession and use.
Morphine is a controlled drug.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tesla and SpaceX are also in early talks to combine into a company that would likely be heavily controlled by Musk, giving rise to what some have called “Elon, Inc.”
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026
But after three years of war, prices have soared as aid and commercial supplies trickled into Gaza through crossings tightly controlled by Israel.
From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026
Another option would focus on safely retiring Hubble when its scientific work is complete, either by guiding it through a controlled descent into Earth's atmosphere or arranging for its disposal in orbit.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026
It said any behind-the-meter power generation would be tightly controlled, time-limited and allowed only for exceptionally strategic projects where sufficient capacity could not be secured by other means.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
But in a wild state, the real difference is that we use controlled fire.
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
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