control Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun power to direct or determine
    • under control
  2. noun a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another
    • measures for the control of disease
    • they instituted controls over drinking on campus
  3. noun (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc
    • the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired
    • he had lost control of his sphincters
  4. noun a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment
    control condition.
    • the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw
  5. noun the activity of managing or exerting control over something
    • the control of the mob by the police was admirable
  6. noun the state that exists when one person or group has power over another
    ascendance; ascendency; ascendancy; ascendence; dominance.
    • her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her
  7. noun discipline in personal and social activities
    restraint.
    • he was a model of polite restraint
    • she never lost control of herself
  8. noun great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity
    mastery; command.
    • a good command of French
  9. noun a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine
    controller.
    • the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly
    • I turned the controls over to her
  10. noun a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
  11. noun the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.
    • they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls
  12. verb exercise authoritative control or power over
    command.
    • control the budget
    • Command the military forces
  13. verb lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
    moderate; hold in; curb; contain; hold; check.
    • moderate your alcohol intake
    • hold your tongue
    • hold your temper
    • control your anger
  14. verb handle and cause to function
    operate.
    • do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
    • control the lever
  15. verb control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage
    keep in line; manipulate.
    • She manipulates her boss
    • She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up
    • The teacher knew how to keep the class in line
    • she keeps in line
  16. verb check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
    verify.
    • Are you controlling for the temperature?
  17. verb verify by using a duplicate register for comparison
    • control an account
  18. verb be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
    insure; see to it; assure; see; ensure; ascertain; check.
    • He verified that the valves were closed
    • See that the curtains are closed
    • control the quality of the product
  19. verb have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
    master.
    • Do you control these data?

WordNet

Con*trol" noun
Etymology
F. contrôle a counter register, contr. fr. contr-rôle; contre (L. contra) + rôle roll, catalogue. See Counter and Roll, and cf. Counterroll.
Definitions
  1. A duplicate book, register, or account, kept to correct or check another account or register; a counter register. Obs. Johnson.
  2. That which serves to check, restrain, or hinder; restraint. "Speak without control." Dryden.
  3. Power or authority to check or restrain; restraining or regulating influence; superintendence; government; as, children should be under parental control.
    The House of Commons should exercise a control over all the departments of the executive administration. Macaulay.
Con*trol" transitive verb
Etymology
F. contrôler, fr. contrôle.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Controlled ; present participle & verbal noun Controlling
Definitions
  1. To check by a counter register or duplicate account; to prove by counter statements; to confute. Obs.
    This report was controlled to be false. Fuller.
  2. To exercise restraining or governing influence over; to check; to counteract; to restrain; to regulate; to govern; to overpower.
    Give me a staff of honor for mine age, But not a scepter to control the world. Shak.
    I feel my virtue struggling in my soul: But stronger passion does its power control. Dryden.
    Syn. -- To restrain; rule; govern; manage; guide; regulate; hinder; direct; check; curb; counteract; subdue.

Webster 1913