regulates; regulated; regulating
1
: to set or adjust the amount, degree, or rate of (something) : control
The dam regulates the flow of water into the river.
The thermostat regulates the room's temperature. = The room's temperature is regulated by the thermostat.
2
a
: to bring (something) under the control of authority
We need better laws to regulate the content of the Internet.
Laws have been made to regulate working conditions.
b
: to make rules or laws that control (something)
The government regulates how much lead may be found in our water supply.
The department regulates foreign trade.
Cite this Entry
“Regulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/regulate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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