Meaning & Definition of word "Control"

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    Control

    /kənˈtroʊl/

    noun:

    • 1. The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
      • Example: He has control over the team's decisions.
    • 2. The ability to manage or regulate something.
      • Example: The car was out of control when it skidded on the ice.
    • 3. A means of limiting or regulating something.
      • Example: The government put controls on the sale of certain chemicals.

    verb:

    • 1. To exercise influence over; to direct.
      • Example: She can control the volume of the music with her phone.
    • 2. To determine the behavior or the course of something.
      • Example: We need to control our spending if we want to save money.
    • 3. To restrain or manage a situation or personal behavior.
      • Example: He struggled to control his anger during the argument.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'contrarotulus' (counter roll or record).

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    give up control:

    To relinquish authority or power.

    in control:

    Having power or authority over something.

    control freak:

    A person who feels an obsessive need to control others or situations.

    Related Words

    controller:

    A device or person that directs or regulates.

    controlling:

    Exercising control over or managing.

    overcontrol:

    To exercise excessive control.

    Slang Meanings of control

    Meaning: Take the reins

    Example Sentence: After the shake-up, he decided to take the reins of the project.

    Meaning: Call the shots

    Example Sentence: Since he was the boss, he got to call the shots.