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, 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”); 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

Although additional studies in animals and humans are needed to confirm these effects, this work provides a clearer explanation of how everyday foods and natural compounds may help regulate chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

Nearly 75% of Americans think the government isn’t doing enough to regulate AI, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Our brains get to use that experience almost as a learning process, to think about, “How can I regulate this emotion? How would I respond in the real world?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Today’s lawmakers looking for a frame of reference may want to read up on the efforts to regulate a questionable trading platform of an earlier era, the “bucket shop.”

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

For if Congress has a power to regulate the conditions of the inhabitants of states, within the states, it will be but another exercise of that power to declare that all shall be free.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

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