control
1 of 2verb
con·trol kən-ˈtrōl 
controlled; controlling
transitive verb
1
a
: to exercise restraining or directing influence over : regulate
control one's anger
b
: to have power over : rule
A single company controls the industry.
c
: to reduce the incidence or severity of especially to innocuous levels
control an insect population
control a disease
2
a
: to incorporate suitable controls in
a controlled test
see also controlled experiment b
archaic : to check, test, or verify by evidence or experiments
intransitive verb
: to incorporate controls in an experiment or study —used with for
control for socioeconomic differences
controllability
kən-ˌtrō-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun controllable
kən-ˈtrō-lə-bəl
adjective controlment
kən-ˈtrōl-mənt
noun control
2 of 2noun
often attributive
1
a
: an act or instance of controlling
also : power or authority to guide or manage
He took control of the family business.
b
: skill in the use of a tool, instrument, technique, or artistic medium
a singer's control of her voice
c
: the regulation of economic activity especially by government directive —usually used in plural
price controlsrent controls
d
: the ability of a baseball pitcher to control the location of a pitch within the strike zone
2
: restraint, reserve
exercised control of his passions
3
: one that controls: such as
a
: a device or mechanism used to regulate or guide the operation of a machine, apparatus, or system
the controls of the aircraft
b
: an organization that directs a spaceflight
mission control
c(1)
: control experiment
(2)
: one (such as an organism, culture, or group) that is part of a control experiment and is used as a standard of comparison
… the residents in the experimental group also seemed to have a lower rate of mortality when compared with controls …
Ellen J. Langer and Jerry Avorn
—often used before another noun Ellen J. Langer and Jerry Avorn Because patients sometimes get better or worse on their own, drug tests also need a control group to compare the new drug with standard treatment or a placebo. Marilyn Chase
Marilyn Chase d
: a personality or spirit believed to actuate the utterances or performances of a spiritualist medium
4
or less commonly Control : control key
Synonyms
Verb
- bridle
- check
- constrain
- contain
- curb
- govern
- hold
- inhibit
- keep
- measure
- pull in
- regulate
- rein (in)
- restrain
- rule
- tame
Noun
- controller
- regulator
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb The parents could not control their child. The police controlled the crowd. The small boy could not control the big dog. Her family controls the business. One country controls the whole island. The rebel army now controls nearly half the country. The lights on stage are controlled by this computer. She struggled to control the cart as it rolled before her down the steep, bumpy road. He controlled the volume by turning the radio's knob. A thermostat controls the room's temperature. Noun The city wanted local control of education. The tribes fought for control over the territory. He took control of the family farm. She hired an accountant to take control of her money. He lost all muscle control in his left arm. The soccer player showed good control of the ball. a teacher with good control of her students The farmer used an organic pest control on his crops. To cut down on competition, the government passed price controls on prescription drugs. The President wants stricter controls on immigration. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Carole Horst, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 The supplies of food and water on our planet have rapidly become a finite resource, and the race is on for who will control these precious resources moving into uncertain global realities. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2022 But Republicans who control the House of Delegates and GOP Gov. Steve Karnowski, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2022 But Republicans who control the House of Delegates and GOP Gov. Steve Karnowski, ajc, 3 Sep. 2022 Once the multiverse has been toyed with, Doctor Strange is sent in a mission across universes to help a teenager, America Chavez, who can't yet control her universe-hopping powers and is being pursued by an unlikely villain. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 The people at Disney, who now control Aliens, have expressed no interest in going down that road. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 In 2021, Evers routed $110 million in federal pandemic relief funds to schools in response to K-12 funding levels set by Republicans who control the state budget-writing process. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 It’s the CEOs, Haan notes, who control where corporations spend their lobbying efforts. Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 29 Aug. 2022 Amy Nakamura, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 The warmth may return but rain chances are expected to stay low to zero through most of the work week as high pressure stays in control of Alabama’s weather, according to forecasters. Leigh Morgan, al, 12 Sep. 2022 Brady was in control throughout the first start for a 45-year-old quarterback in NFL history. Schuyler Dixon, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2022 Brady was in control throughout the first start for a 45-year-old quarterback in NFL history. Schuyler Dixon, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Sep. 2022 By that point, though, the Tigers were in control, 4-2. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2022 But by then, USC and its offense were already well in control, rolling past the first Pac-12 challenge with ease and leaving some to wonder if a more taxing test might someday present itself. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2022 That wouldn't be likely anyway, with Republicans in control of the Legislature. John Hanna, ajc, 10 Sep. 2022 In earning the 1-1 draw with, FCC moved into solo seventh place in the Eastern Conference and is now in complete control of its playoff destiny with five matches to play. Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 See More
Verb
These groups are establishing themselves as the new Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), where the future world powers will be those who control not oil but food. Carole Horst, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 The supplies of food and water on our planet have rapidly become a finite resource, and the race is on for who will control these precious resources moving into uncertain global realities. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2022 But Republicans who control the House of Delegates and GOP Gov. Steve Karnowski, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2022 But Republicans who control the House of Delegates and GOP Gov. Steve Karnowski, ajc, 3 Sep. 2022 Once the multiverse has been toyed with, Doctor Strange is sent in a mission across universes to help a teenager, America Chavez, who can't yet control her universe-hopping powers and is being pursued by an unlikely villain. Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 1 Sep. 2022 The people at Disney, who now control Aliens, have expressed no interest in going down that road. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2022 In 2021, Evers routed $110 million in federal pandemic relief funds to schools in response to K-12 funding levels set by Republicans who control the state budget-writing process. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2022 It’s the CEOs, Haan notes, who control where corporations spend their lobbying efforts. Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 29 Aug. 2022 Noun
The chamber is currently divided 50-50 between the parties, with Democrats in control because of Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote. Amy Nakamura, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 The warmth may return but rain chances are expected to stay low to zero through most of the work week as high pressure stays in control of Alabama’s weather, according to forecasters. Leigh Morgan, al, 12 Sep. 2022 Brady was in control throughout the first start for a 45-year-old quarterback in NFL history. Schuyler Dixon, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Sep. 2022 Brady was in control throughout the first start for a 45-year-old quarterback in NFL history. Schuyler Dixon, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Sep. 2022 By that point, though, the Tigers were in control, 4-2. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2022 But by then, USC and its offense were already well in control, rolling past the first Pac-12 challenge with ease and leaving some to wonder if a more taxing test might someday present itself. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2022 That wouldn't be likely anyway, with Republicans in control of the Legislature. John Hanna, ajc, 10 Sep. 2022 In earning the 1-1 draw with, FCC moved into solo seventh place in the Eastern Conference and is now in complete control of its playoff destiny with five matches to play. Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb and Noun
Middle English countrollen, from Anglo-French contrerouler, from contreroule copy of an account, audit, from Medieval Latin contrarotulus, from Latin contra- + Medieval Latin rotulus roll — more at roll
First Known Use
Verb
1523, in the meaning defined at sense 2b
Noun
1564, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing control
Kids Definition
control 1 of 2
verb
con·trol kən-ˈtrōl
controlled; controlling
1
: to have power over
"Ah, gods, plural, as in, great beings that control the forces of nature and human endeavors…" Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief2
: to direct the actions or behavior of
Police can control a crowd.
3
: to keep within bounds : restrain
Learn to control your temper.
4
: to direct the function of
How do you control this machine?
control
2 of 2noun
1
: the power or authority to manage
The city wanted local control of education.
2
: ability to keep within bounds or direct the operation of
The fire is out of control.
He lost control of the car.
3
: self-restraint
I lost control and started yelling.
4
: regulation sense 2
price controls
5
: a device used to start, stop, or change the operation of a machine or system
a radio control
6
: something that is not treated or exposed to testing in an experiment in order to serve as a comparison to others that have undergone treatment or exposure
Medical Definition
control 1 of 2
verb
con·trol kən-ˈtrōl
controlled; controlling
transitive verb
1
: to incorporate suitable controls in
a controlled experiment
2
: to reduce the incidence or severity of especially to innocuous levels
control an insect population
a vaccine for controlling outbreaks of cholera
intransitive verb
: to incorporate controls in an experiment or study —used with for
failure to control for the difference in the rate of smoking between the two groups Howard Bauchner et al.
Howard Bauchner et al.control
2 of 2noun
1
: an act or instance of controlling something
control of acute intermittent porphyria
2
: one that is used in controlling something: as
a
: an experiment in which the subjects are treated as in a parallel experiment except for omission of the procedure or agent under test and which is used as a standard of comparison in judging experimental effects
called also control experiment
b
: one (as an organism, culture, or group) that is part of a control
Legal Definition
control
transitive verb
con·trol
controlled; controlling
1
: to exercise restraining or directing influence over especially by law
2
: to have power or authority over
precedent controls the outcome in this case
3
: to have controlling interest in
control 1 of 2
noun
1
as in controller
a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- controller
- regulator
- selector
- switch
- lever
- actuator
- knob
- dial
- key
- button
- push button
2
as in grasp
the ability to direct the course of something after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control firefighters keeping control of the blaze Synonyms & Similar Words
- grasp
- power
- hold
- hand(s)
- direction
- management
- arm
- command
- helm
- grip
- dominion
- domination
- government
- operation
- running
- sway
- mastery
- administration
- regulation
- clutch
- supervision
- governance
- authority
- jurisdiction
- guidance
- might
- oversight
- superintendence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- helplessness
- weakness
- powerlessness
- impotence
- impotency
3
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas Synonyms & Similar Words
- management
- handling
- operation
- supervision
- administration
- direction
- government
- oversight
- governance
- stewardship
- regulation
- guidance
- running
- leadership
- presidency
- charge
- conduct
- care
- superintendence
- superintendency
- custody
- intendance
- protection
- manipulation
- logistics
- agency
- rulership
- keeping
- engineering
- trust
- guardianship
- generalship
- safekeeping
- ward
- lap
- tutelage
- aegis
- machination
- codirection
- coadministration
- comanagement
- egis
4
as in hands
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship Synonyms & Similar Words
- hands
- enjoyment
- possession
- keeping
- ownership
- power
- dominion
- retention
- command
- mastery
- authority
- procurement
- proprietorship
- confiscation
- claiming
- repossession
- commandeering
- collaring
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- surrendering
- relinquishment
- nonpossession
- transferal
- dispossession
5
as in power
the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control Synonyms & Similar Words
- power
- dominion
- sway
- reign
- authority
- grip
- command
- influence
- arm
- sovereignty
- management
- mastery
- dominance
- jurisdiction
- hold
- rein(s)
- clutch
- death grip
- leverage
- voice
- privilege
- pull
- direction
- right
- clout
- prerogative
- supremacy
- weight
- predominance
- importance
- imperium
- moment
- sovranty
- eminence
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- powerlessness
- impotence
- helplessness
- weakness
- impotency
control
2 of 2verb
1
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper Synonyms & Similar Words
- regulate
- curb
- keep
- restrain
- contain
- measure
- govern
- suppress
- rule
- tame
- stifle
- check
- hold
- constrain
- stop
- inhibit
- bridle
- pull in
- interrupt
- squelch
- swallow
- repress
- block
- pocket
- smother
- rein (in)
- hinder
- hold back
- impede
- arrest
- silence
- muffle
- strangle
- hamper
- sink
- obstruct
- choke (back)
- mince
- muzzle
- handcuff
- gag
- bottle (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lose
- liberate
- loose
- loosen
- express
- take out
- unleash
- air
- vent
2
as in to restrain
to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks Synonyms & Similar Words
- restrain
- contain
- calm
- compose
- collect
- re-collect
- recover
- settle
- hold back
- still
- quiet
- rally
- lull
- soothe
- tranquilize
- tranquillize
3
as in to govern
to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life Synonyms & Similar Words
- govern
- rule
- dominate
- dictate
- command
- manage
- sway
- captain
- regulate
- domineer
- oversee
- boss
- micromanage
- master
- administer
- lead
- direct
- supervise
- conduct
- subjugate
- head
- preside (over)
- conquer
- subdue
- oppress
- tyrannize
- superintend
- reign (over)
- lord (it over)
4
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable Synonyms & Similar Words
- manage
- regulate
- operate
- supervise
- handle
- oversee
- govern
- conduct
- run
- direct
- keep
- protect
- guide
- administer
- administrate
- carry on
- steward
- watch over
- steer
- tend
- superintend
- guard
- lead
- safeguard
- overlook
- watch
- mind
- pilot
- preside (over)
- micromanage
- stage-manage
- comanage
- care (for)
- codirect
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of control are authority, command, dominion, jurisdiction, power, and sway. While all these words mean "the right to govern or rule or determine," control stresses the power to direct and restrain.
you are responsible for the students under your control
While in some cases nearly identical to control, authority implies power for a specific purpose within specified limits.
granted the authority to manage her estate
The words command and control are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience.
the army officer in command
Although the words dominion and control have much in common, dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority.
given dominion over all the animals
The meanings of jurisdiction and control largely overlap; however, jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits.
the bureau having jurisdiction over parks
In some situations, the words power and control are roughly equivalent. However, power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.
the power to mold public opinion
While the synonyms sway and control are close in meaning, sway suggests the extent of exercised power or influence.
the empire extended its sway over the region