control

Tweet

noun

Definition of CONTROL

1

a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system <the controls for the player are well marked>

Synonyms controller, regulator

Related Words actuator; button, dial, key, knob, lever, push button, selector, switch

2

the ability to direct the course of something <after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control> <firefighters keeping control of the blaze>

Synonyms grasp, hand(s)

Related Words clutch, grip, hold, mastery; arm, command, dominion, helm, sway; authority, domination, jurisdiction, might, power; administration, direction, governance, government, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision

Near Antonyms helplessness, weakness; impotence, impotency, powerlessness

3

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something <control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas>

Synonyms administration, care, charge, control, direction, governance, government, guidance, handling, intendance, management, operation, oversight, presidency, regulation, running, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervision

Related Words generalship, leadership, rulership; agency; aegis (also egis), custody, guardianship, keeping, lap, protection, safekeeping, trust, tutelage, ward; engineering, logistics, machination, manipulation; coadministration, codirection, comanagement

4

the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal <took control of the process of selecting candidates for the scholarship>

Synonyms control, enjoyment, hands, keeping

Related Words ownership, proprietorship; authority, command, dominion, mastery, power; repossession, retention; claiming, collaring, commandeering, confiscation, procurement

Near Antonyms dispossession, relinquishment, surrendering, transferal

Antonyms nonpossession

5

the right or means to command or control others <teachers are responsible for the students under their control>

Synonyms arm, authority, clutch, command, control, death grip, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, reign, rein(s), sway

Related Words clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight; jurisdiction; direction, management; dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy; prerogative, privilege, right; eminence, importance, moment

Near Antonyms helplessness, weakness

Antonyms impotence, impotency, powerlessness