regulate
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Biology. to adjust or adapt (a bodily process or function) in response to external stimuli.
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Genetics. to control the expression of (a gene or genes).
verb
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to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control
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to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly
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to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage
Other Word Forms
- misregulate verb (used with object)
- nonregulated adjective
- nonregulative adjective
- overregulate verb
- preregulate verb (used with object)
- quasi-regulated adjective
- regulative adjective
- regulatively adverb
- regulatory adjective
- reregulate verb (used with object)
- unregulated adjective
- unregulative adjective
- well-regulated adjective
Etymology
Origin of regulate
First recorded in 1620–30, from Late Latin rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre “to direct”); regula, -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"How would you even possibly begin to regulate that?" agrees her friend Mekenzie Sutton, noting that it's hard to determine who is ready to undertake a climb.
From BBC
GLP-1s are medications that mimic the glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone, a hormone we naturally make in our bodies which helps regulate hunger levels.
From BBC
Nature can have a positive effect on regulating our brain and body according to Annalisa Setti, senior lecturer of applied psychology and sustainability at University College Cork.
From BBC
A law regulating artificial intelligence went into effect in Vietnam on Sunday, making it the first country in Southeast Asia with a comprehensive framework on the booming technology.
From Barron's
Kenyan authorities introduced a 2023 moratorium on new construction in response to concerns over poorly regulated development in the 580-square-mile reserve.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
