Definition

1. Verb:
   • To assume control: To begin to direct, manage, or command a situation, group, or process. It implies stepping into a position of authority or influence, often to guide or steer something.

Usage

• The verb "take control" is used to describe the action of gaining command over a situation, organization, vehicle, or one's own emotions or actions. It often suggests a deliberate, active, and sometimes necessary intervention.
• It is commonly followed by the preposition "of" to specify what is being controlled (e.g., take control of the meeting, the company, the car, the situation).
• It can be used in both positive contexts (e.g., taking charge to improve things) and negative contexts (e.g., a hostile takeover).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The new manager will take control of the department next week.
  • During the emergency, she calmly took control and organized the evacuation.
  • You need to take control of your finances and create a budget.
  • The pilot was forced to take control of the aircraft manually.

Advanced Usage

• "to take control of oneself": To regain composure or self-discipline.
  • After the initial shock, he took control of himself and addressed the crowd.
• "to take control back": To reassert one's authority or command over something that was lost or given away.
  • The founder decided to take control back from the board of directors.

Variants and Related Words

• Takeover (n): An act of assuming control of something, especially a company.
  • The corporate takeover was finalized yesterday.
• Controller (n): A person or device that controls something.
  • She is the financial controller for the region.

Synonyms

• Assume command: To take on a position of leadership.
• Take charge: To assume responsibility or control.
• Seize control: To take control forcefully or suddenly (often with a more aggressive connotation).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Take over: To begin to have control of something; to replace someone or something. (Note: This is a distinct phrasal verb listed separately as it is a common variant).
  • He will take over as team leader next month.
  • The new software will gradually take over the old system.

Related Idioms

• Take the reins: To take control or assume leadership (from horse riding).
  • It's time for a new generation to take the reins of the company.
• In the driver's seat: To be in control of a situation.
  • With the new contract, she is firmly in the driver's seat.

Verb

1. assume control