regulate

1 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) <you would be well advised to regulate your enthusiasm for the venture and pause to consider the risk involved> Synonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, control, rein (in), restrain, rule, tameRelated 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, silenceNear Antonyms liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, ventAntonyms lose

2 to look after and make decisions about <the government agency that regulates the nuclear power industry in this country> Synonyms administer, administrate, carry on, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), conduct, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tendRelated Words care (for), mind, watch; lead, pilot, steer; guard, protect, safeguard; micromanage, stage-manage; codirect, comanage