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

Leo, in the encyclical, said there is an urgent need to regulate AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Greenman, who introduced the legislation, said that the state “has had the authority to regulate gaming and gambling since we were a territory.”

From Salon • May 24, 2026

The researchers also identified a key protein called SEL1L that helps regulate this process.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

The White House, Congress, and local governments throughout the country are grappling with whether and how to regulate AI.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle and may regulate a thousand celestial observations that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent for ever.

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Related Words

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