regulate

[ reg-yuh-leyt ]

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

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 Word Forms

• 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

The Water Commission is an independent review, set up by the government, to look at different ways of regulating the industry following increased public anger over water company performance.

From BBC

Both sunlight and moonlight play roles in regulating the spawning and migration of Japanese eels.

From Salon

In Kenya, the ants are protected by international bio-diversity treaties and their trade is highly regulated.

From BBC

Some of these organisations such as airports and water utilities are also tightly regulated, potentially limiting the freedom of manoeuvre of their Chinese owners in controlling the assets.

From BBC

And the price of first-class mail may go up: second-class stamps are regulated by Ofcom, while first-class ones are not.

From BBC

Related Words

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