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

"After duplication, the majority of genes are still in pairs; however, they show different expression patterns, and many have functionally diverged to regulate different traits," Ma said.

From Science Daily

In the same month, the Civil Service Commission - which regulates civil service appointments - said it would be launching a review "given interest in a number of recent civil service appointments by exception".

From BBC

Humans have long used slow breathing to regulate their emotions, and practices like yoga and mindfulness have even popularized formal techniques like box breathing.

From Science Daily

And the FDA, though now interested in phages, will have to figure out how to regulate them to keep up with evolving microbes.

From Salon

The agency regulates health insurance and sets policy that guides the prices that doctors, hospitals and drug companies are paid for medical services.

From BBC

Related Words

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