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

Related Words

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