control

control

verb

Definition of CONTROL

1

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) <you must learn to control your temper>

Synonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame

Related Words bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence

Near Antonyms liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent

Antonyms lose

2

to gain emotional or mental control of <he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks>

Synonyms calm, compose, contain, control, re-collect, settle

Related Words hold back, restrain; rally, recover; lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

3

to exercise authority or power over <circumstances often control the choices we make in life>

Synonyms boss, captain, command, control, preside (over), rule, sway [archaic]

Related Words conduct, direct, head, lead; administer, manage, micromanage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise; dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize; conquer, subdue, subjugate

4

to look after and make decisions about <during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable>

Synonyms administer, administrate, carry on, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tend

Related Words care (for), mind, watch; lead, pilot, steer; guard, protect, safeguard; micromanage, stage-manage; codirect, comanage