control meaning and definition

CONTROL noun

Definition of control (noun)

1. power to direct or determine
   • "under control"
2. 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"
3. (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"
4. 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"
   • synonyms: control condition
5. the activity of managing or exerting control over something
   • "the control of the mob by the police was admirable"
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"
   • synonyms: ascendance, ascendancy, ascendence, ascendency, dominance
7. discipline in personal and social activities
   • "he was a model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of herself"
   • synonyms: restraint
   • antonym: unrestraint
8. great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity
   • "a good command of French"
   • synonyms: command, mastery
9. 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"
   • synonyms: controller
10. a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
11. the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.
    • "they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls"

CONTROL verb

Definition of control (verb)

1. exercise authoritative control or power over
   • "control the budget"; "Command the military forces"
   • synonyms: command
2. 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"
   • synonyms: check, contain, curb, hold, hold in, moderate
3. handle and cause to function
   • "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever"
   • synonyms: operate
4. 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"
   • synonyms: keep in line, manipulate
5. check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
   • "Are you controlling for the temperature?"
   • synonyms: verify
6. verify by using a duplicate register for comparison
   • "control an account"
7. 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"
   • synonyms: ascertain, assure, check, ensure, insure, see, see to it
8. have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
   • "Do you control these data?"
   • synonyms: master