self-regulate

verb

self-reg·​u·​late ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt 

 also  -ˈrā-

self-regulated; self-regulating; self-regulates

1

intransitive : to regulate oneself or itself

allowing markets to self-regulate

… noted the overwhelming lack of public trust in the financial services industry's ability to self-regulate effectively …

—Sally Rose

The idea is that the kids learn how to manage and self-regulate.

—Cheyenne Derksen Schroeder

2

transitive : to control or govern (something) for or by oneself

… was hired by the motion picture industry to head up a new body to self-regulate the movies.

—Katharine Monk

the ability of the child to self-regulate her behavior

… a horse who is permitted to self-regulate his intake will eat only what his body needs.

—Juliet M. Getty

self-regulative

ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tiv 

 also  -ˈrā-

adjective

self-regulative processes

Examples of self-regulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As intelligent systems reshape work, those who can self-regulate, think clearly under pressure and evolve intentionally won’t just keep pace—they’ll define the future. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Although the Foster Grandparents in Tarrant County are currently serving younger kids, volunteers say relationship building is key when helping the children learn their numbers and letters in addition to learning how to self-regulate. —Lina Ruiz september 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025

What on earth makes anyone think that a self-regulating Radius will clean up its act? —Brian Beveridge, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

This happens not because students are deceptive or evil but because humans are self-regulating creatures. —Jennifer L. Steele, The Conversation, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-regulate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate