regulate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
regulates,
present (3rd person singular)
-
regulated,
past participle, past
-
regulating
present participle
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
Biology. to adjust or adapt (a bodily process or function) in response to external stimuli.
-
Genetics. to control the expression of (a gene or genes).
verb
-
to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control
-
to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly
-
to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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overregulateverb
-
misregulateverb (used with object)
-
preregulateverb (used with object)
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reregulateverb (used with object)
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nonregulatedadjective
-
nonregulativeadjective
-
quasi-regulatedadjective
-
regulativeadjective
-
regulatoryadjective
-
unregulatedadjective
-
unregulativeadjective
-
well-regulatedadjective
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regulativelyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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regulatesimple
-
regulatessimple
-
have regulatedperfect
-
has regulatedperfect
-
am regulatingprogressive
-
are regulatingprogressive
-
is regulatingprogressive
-
have been regulatingperfect progressive
-
has been regulatingperfect progressive
Past
-
regulatedsimple
-
had regulatedperfect
-
was regulatingprogressive
-
were regulatingprogressive
-
had been regulatingperfect progressive
Future
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!
Vocabulary lists containing regulate
Florida EOC Civics
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The Articles of Confederation (1777)
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This Week In Words: September 5–11, 2020
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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.
See Examples For:
Weaker muscles can also complicate recovery from injuries and illnesses and make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
“As before, we conclude ... the No Vigilantes Act attempts to directly regulate the United States in its performance of governmental functions,” Judge Mark J. Bennett wrote for the panel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Concerns about AI guardrails have soared after models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic were involved in security incidents during testing, piling on pressure to regulate the technology.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
Although the pilot involved only five people, the findings raise the possibility that exercise could help regulate cellular recycling in ways that support healthier aging.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
With that development they could regulate their temperatures.
From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
Telematics had the potential to offer the lowest premiums for drivers with spotty driving records who improved their driving habits, but opponents contended it violated Proposition 103, the 1988 initiative that regulates auto rates.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
It previously said it strictly regulates the export of “dual use” components, which can serve both civilian and military purposes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
James argues that this explanation is more parsimonious than assuming the brain contains what he calls "a higher-level, central controller that monitors and regulates sensory and motor processes."
From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026
"The important thing is we've got a system which regulates universities on outcomes," she said.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026
He ran a test on one of their neurotransmitters that regulates dopamine, which in turn is associated with attention.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
"The issue of humane treatment of animals is sufficiently regulated by law," they determined, noting the economic interests of animal circuses, which remain a major draw for audiences.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
In diabetic wounds, however, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps can become poorly regulated.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026
"The children have come in so ready to learn, because they're more settled and regulated socially and emotionally. We've had a really, really positive start to the school year."
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
The energy company said its regulated business was trading in line with expectations and forecast group EPS growth of 13%-15% for fiscal 2027.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Tara remarks that they seem to have more productive post-dinner meetings when he is there, though he offers only occasional suggestions as to how the circus itself should be regulated.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
Menin also participates in regulating gene activity, allowing it to influence multiple biological pathways.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
If brain fog and anxiety are concerns, simply regulating nutritional intake can solve for that, no matter what your cortisol tests say.
From Slate ● Oct. 9, 2026
Their application argues that the decision by the Parades Commission -- the independent body regulating contentious marches -- misrepresented police evidence about the risk of disorder.
From Barron's ● Oct. 5, 2026
The Clean Air Act assigns primary responsibility for regulating emissions to the Environmental Protection Agency, while preserving only limited state authority over in-state sources.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
I see Michael in the control booth, regulating volume and lighting in the auditorium.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
