control

(noun) power to direct or determine. Examples: "Under control."

(noun) a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another. Examples: "Measures for the control of disease." "They instituted controls over drinking on campus."

(noun) (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc. Examples: "The timing and control of his movements were unimpaired." "He had lost control of his sphincters."

(noun) a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment. Synonyms: control condition. Examples: "The control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw."

(noun) the activity of managing or exerting control over something. Examples: "The control of the mob by the police was admirable."

(noun) the state that exists when one person or group has power over another. Synonyms: dominance, ascendance, ascendence, ascendancy, ascendency. Examples: "Her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her."

(noun) discipline in personal and social activities. Synonyms: restraint. Examples: "He was a model of polite restraint." "She never lost control of herself."

(noun) great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity. Synonyms: command, mastery. Examples: "A good command of french."

(noun) a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine. Synonyms: controller. Examples: "The speed controller on his turntable was not working properly." "I turned the controls over to her."

(noun) a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance.

(noun) the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.. Examples: "They wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls."

(verb) exercise authoritative control or power over. Synonyms: command. Examples: "Control the budget." "Command the military forces."

(verb) lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits. Synonyms: hold in, hold, contain, check, curb, moderate. Examples: "Moderate your alcohol intake." "Hold your tongue." "Hold your temper." "Control your anger."

(verb) handle and cause to function. Synonyms: operate. Examples: "Do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol." "Control the lever."

(verb) control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage. Synonyms: manipulate, keep in line. Examples: "She manipulates her boss." "She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up." "The teacher knew how to keep the class in line." "She keeps in line."

(verb) check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard. Synonyms: verify. Examples: "Are you controlling for the temperature?."

(verb) verify by using a duplicate register for comparison. Examples: "Control an account."

(verb) be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something. Synonyms: see, check, insure, see to it, ensure, ascertain, assure. Examples: "He verified that the valves were closed." "See that the curtains are closed." "Control the quality of the product."

(verb) have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of. Synonyms: master. Examples: "Do you control these data?."