regulate

[reg-yuh-leyt]

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, 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).

regulate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulate¹

C17: from Late Latin rēgulāre to control, from Latin rēgula a ruler

Example Sentences

“It’s become a mandatory part of my routine,” said Cess, age 41, whose perimenopause symptoms include brain fog, vertigo, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and acute difficulty regulating her temperature.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She notes the importance of keeping waking and sleeping times similar throughout the year to regulate your circadian rhythm.

Read more on BBC

But the FCC, which licenses broadcasters, does not regulate streaming services, YouTube or TikTok.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Still, regulated U.S. platforms such as Kalshi have policies banning insider trading, which is seen as an unfair practice by many investors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Being regulated as funds gives BDCs special tax privileges, which they don’t want to lose.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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