Dictionary definition · control
noun
- power to direct or determine"under control"
- a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another"measures for the control of disease"
- (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc"the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired"
- 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"
- the activity of managing or exerting control over something"the control of the mob by the police was admirable"
- 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"
verb
- exercise authoritative control or power over"control the budget"
- lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits"moderate your alcohol intake"
- handle and cause to function"do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"
- maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage"She manipulates her boss"
- check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard"Are you controlling for the temperature?"
- place under restrictions; limit access to by law"this substance is controlled"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).