regulate

[ reg-yuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, reg·u·lat·ed, reg·u·lat·ing.

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

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

Derived Forms

• ˈregulatively, adverb
• ˈregulative, adjective

Other Words From

• reg·u·la·to·ry [reg, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee], reg·u·la·tive [reg, -y, uh, -ley-tiv, -y, uh, -l, uh, -tiv], adjective
• reg·u·la·tive·ly adverb
• mis·reg·u·late verb (used with object) misregulated misregulating
• non·reg·u·lat·ed adjective
• non·reg·u·la·tive adjective
• o·ver·reg·u·late verb overregulated overregulating
• pre·reg·u·late verb (used with object) preregulated preregulating
• qua·si-reg·u·lat·ed adjective
• re·reg·u·late verb (used with object) reregulated reregulating
• un·reg·u·lat·ed adjective
• un·reg·u·la·tive adjective
• well-reg·u·lat·ed 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

Well, to look back at that infamous Twitter takeover is to recall that it involved roping in Musk’s most trusted yes-men—David Sacks, Steve Davis, Joe Lonsdale—who are also advising Trump at this very moment on how he should regulate the industries they work in.

From Slate

By 2026, the county will for the first time have an ethics commission to regulate conflicts of interest and lobbying and investigate misconduct by elected officials and county employees.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month two aspects of the Premier League’s associated party transaction rules - which regulate commercial deals involving clubs' owners - were deemed unlawful by a tribunal after being challenged by Manchester City, which has since threatened further legal action.

From BBC

Not long after its Proposition 65 designation, the California Air Resources Board classified diesel exhaust as a toxic air contaminant, enabling the agency to regulate it.

From Los Angeles Times

The train is also fitted with a cooling unit on the roof to regulate the batteries’ temperature, and the company has developed software that monitors and regulates the cells.

From BBC

Related Words

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