control

con-trol · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The power to influence or direct behavior or events.

  2. 2.

    To exercise authority over; to direct.

  3. 3.

    A device used to operate a machine.

  4. 4.

    To hold in check; to restrain.

  5. 5.

    To regulate or limit.

  6. 6.

    Restraint or self-regulation.

  7. 7.

    A standard of comparison in an experiment.

Forms

plural: controls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in control — having power or command
  • •
    out of control — unable to be managed
  • •
    under control — being managed effectively
  • •
    control freak — someone obsessed with control
  • •
    damage control — limiting harm
  • •
    birth control — contraception
  • •
    remote control — wireless device controller

Related words

Antonyms: chaos, freedom, release
See also: command, manage, power, regulate
Synonyms: authority, command, power, regulation

Etymology

From Medieval Latin "contrarotulare" meaning to check by duplicate register, from "contra" (against) and "rotulus" (roll).