regulate

verb

reg·​u·​late ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt 

 also  ˈrā-

regulated; regulating

transitive verb

1

a

: to govern or direct according to rule

b(1)

: to bring under the control of law or constituted authority

(2)

: to make regulations for or concerning

regulate the industries of a country

2

: to bring order, method, or uniformity to

regulate one's habits

3

: to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of

regulate the pressure of a tire

regulative

ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tiv 

 also  ˈrā-

adjective

regulatory

ˈre-gyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

 also  ˈrā-

adjective

Synonyms

• bridle
• check
• constrain
• contain
• control
• curb
• govern
• hold
• inhibit
• keep
• measure
• pull in
• rein (in)
• restrain
• rule
• tame

Examples of regulate in a Sentence

The dam regulates the flow of water into the river.

We need better laws to regulate the content of the Internet.

Laws have been made to regulate working conditions.

The government regulates how much lead may be found in our water supply.

The department regulates foreign trade.

Recent Examples on the Web

Commentary and opinions Editorial: Google’s hardball tactics against California news outlets show why it should be regulated. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

So far, lawmakers have taken no steps to regulate the influx of delta-8 and products like it. —Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination; Amy Yurkanin, Al.com; John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The fiber found in oatmeal can impact hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

Follow Technology The dispute could influence how social media platforms police their users in countries that regulate free speech differently than the United States. —Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates airlines and aircraft manufacturers, was also heavily criticized during Wednesday's hearings. —David Koenig, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024

Human societies have always regulated members’ behavior through social norms, laws, education, shame and honor, and other methods. —Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2024

Also, there are questions about whether the state agency can regulate actions by the federal government that Titus said are vital to national security. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2024

Florida laws make regulation, litigation difficult In Florida, OSHA is the only agency that can regulate hoisting equipment, such as cranes, according to state statutes. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare, from Latin regula rule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing regulate

• re-regulate
• self-regulate

Kids Definition

regulate

verb

reg·​u·​late ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt 

regulated; regulating

1

a

: to govern or direct according to rule

b

: to bring under the control of authority

regulate prices

2

: to bring order or method to

regulate one's habits

3

: to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of

regulate the pressure of a tire

the brain regulates the heartbeat

regulator

-ˌlāt-ər

noun

regulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Etymology

from Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare "to regulate, direct," from regula "a rule, straightedge" — related to rail entry 1, regent, rule

Medical Definition

regulate

transitive verb

reg·​u·​late ˈreg-yə-ˌlāt 

regulated; regulating

1

: to control or direct according to rule or law

regulate the testing of experimental drugs

2

: to fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of

regulatory

-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

adjective

Legal Definition

regulate

transitive verb

reg·​u·​late

regulated; regulating

1

: to govern or direct according to rule

2

a

: to bring under the control of law

b

: to make regulations for or concerning