control

1 a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked Synonyms of control controller, regulator Words Related to control 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 of control grasp, hand(s) Words Related to control 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 of control 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 of control administration, care, charge, conduct, direction, governance, government, guidance, handling, intendance, management, operation, oversight, presidency, regulation, running, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervisionWords Related to control 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 of control possession, enjoyment, hands, keepingWords Related to control ownership, proprietorship; authority, command, dominion, mastery, power; repossession, retention; claiming, collaring, commandeering, confiscation, procurementNear Antonyms of control dispossession, relinquishment, surrendering, transferalAntonyms of control nonpossession

5 the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control Synonyms of control arm, authority, clutch, command, power, death grip, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, reign, rein(s), swayWords Related to control clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight; jurisdiction; direction, management; dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy; prerogative, privilege, right; eminence, importance, momentNear Antonyms of control helplessness, weaknessAntonyms of control impotence, impotency, powerlessness

1 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper Synonyms of control bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame Words Related to control 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 of control liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent Antonyms of control 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 of control calm, compose, contain, collect, re-collect, settleWords Related to control 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 of control boss, captain, command, govern, preside (over), rule, sway [archaic]Words Related to control 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 of control administer, administrate, carry on, conduct, direct, govern, guide, handle, keep, manage, operate, overlook, oversee, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, superintend, supervise, tendWords Related to control care (for), mind, watch; lead, pilot, steer; guard, protect, safeguard; micromanage, stage-manage; codirect, comanage