Definition

1. Noun:

   • The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events: "Control" refers to the authority or ability to manage, command, or regulate something or someone.
   • A means of limiting or regulating something: "Control" can also refer to a device, mechanism, or system used to manage the operation of a machine or process.
   • The restriction of an activity, tendency, or phenomenon: "Control" can mean the act of keeping something within limits or checking its growth or spread.
   • A standard of comparison for checking the results of a scientific experiment: In research, a "control" is a baseline condition used to verify the validity of findings.
   • The ability to manage one's own emotions or actions: "Control" can refer to self-discipline or restraint.

2. Verb:

   • To determine the behavior or supervise the running of: "Control" means to exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; to command, regulate, or manage.
   • To limit the amount, rate, or extent of: "Control" means to hold in check, restrain, or keep within bounds.
   • To regulate or verify (a scientific experiment) by a parallel procedure: In science, to "control" an experiment is to conduct a comparison to ensure accurate results.
   • To have a firm understanding or command of: "Control" can mean to possess comprehensive knowledge or mastery over something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • She took control of the project and led it to success.
  • The pilot checked the aircraft's controls before takeoff.
  • The government imposed strict price controls to curb inflation.
  • In the experiment, one group was the control, receiving no treatment.
  • He lost control of his emotions and started shouting.

• Verb:

  • The manager controls the budget for the entire department.
  • It's important to control your spending.
  • The scientist controlled for variables like age and gender.
  • Do you control all the information in this database?

Advanced Usage

• "Under control": being managed effectively and not causing problems.
  • The firefighters got the blaze under control.
• "Beyond/out of control": no longer manageable; chaotic.
  • The protest quickly got out of control.
• "Take control": to assume command or responsibility.
  • It's time for you to take control of your own life.

Variants and Related Words

• Controller (n): a person or device that directs or regulates something.
  • The air traffic controller guided the plane to a safe landing.
• Controllable (adj): able to be controlled or managed.
  • The situation is serious but still controllable.
• Controlling (adj): excessively trying to control others' behavior.
  • He has a very controlling personality.

Synonyms

• Noun: Command, authority, management, regulation, restraint, dominion.
• Verb: Manage, direct, regulate, command, restrain, govern, oversee.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Control for (v): In statistics or research, to account for or neutralize the effect of a variable.
  • You must control for socioeconomic status in your analysis.
• Control over (v/n): To have authority or influence over something (verb), or the power to influence something (noun).
  • Parents have control over their young children's decisions.

Related Idioms

• "Birth control": methods used to prevent pregnancy.
  • Access to birth control is an important health issue.
• "Remote control": a device used to operate a machine, especially a television, from a distance.
  • I can't find the remote control for the TV.
• "Quality control": a system for maintaining desired standards in manufactured products.
  • The factory has excellent quality control procedures.

Noun

1. the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.
   • they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls
2. a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
3. a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine
   • the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly
   • I turned the controls over to her
4. great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity
   • a good command of French
5. discipline in personal and social activities
   • he was a model of polite restraint
   • she never lost control of herself
6. the state that exists when one person or group has power over another
   • her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her
7. the activity of managing or exerting control over something
   • the control of the mob by the police was admirable
8. a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment
   • the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw
9. (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
10. 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
11. power to direct or determine
    • under control

Verb

1. have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
   • Do you control these data?
2. be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
   • He verified that the valves were closed
   • See that the curtains are closed
   • control the quality of the product
3. verify by using a duplicate register for comparison
   • control an account
4. check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
   • Are you controlling for the temperature?
5. control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage
   • 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
6. handle and cause to function
   • do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
   • control the lever
7. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger
8. exercise authoritative control or power over
   • control the budget
   • Command the military forces