American Dictionary

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Definition control in American English

control verb

[transitive] verb
/kənˈtroʊl/
1

to have the power to make decisions and decide what will happen to something

Example

A rebel army was now controlling the northern half of the country.

Example

Most of the news media were controlled by the central government.

Synonyms and related words
2

to make a machine, system, vehicle, etc. move or operate in the way that you want it to

Example

The surgeon controls the device remotely using a computer terminal.

Example

I hit a patch of ice and couldn't control the car.

Example

The flow of water is controlled by a series of valves.

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3

to make people behave in the way that you want them to behave

Example

New teachers often find it difficult to control their classes.

Example

The generals who seized power used terror to control the people.

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4

to keep something at the correct level

Example

The temperature in the museum is carefully controlled.

Example

the parts of the brain that control our breathing

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4.1

to prevent something from increasing too much or too quickly

Example

Spending in the company was tightly controlled.

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5

to prevent something harmful from spreading or becoming more dangerous

Example

We must do more to control the spread of the virus.

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6

to remain calm and not show that you are angry or upset

Example

Carol struggled to control her anger.

Example

I could hardly control my temper.

Example

If you can't learn to control yourself, you'll have to leave.

Synonyms and related words
Definition control in American English