Control Definition

control
noun
  1. power to direct or determine; "under control"
  2. a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another; "measures for the control of disease"; "they instituted controls over drinking on campus"
  3. (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc; "the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired"; "he had lost control of his sphincters"
  4. a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment; "the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw"
  5. the activity of managing or exerting control over something; "the control of the mob by the police was admirable"
  6. the state that exists when one person or group has power over another; "her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her"
  7. discipline in personal and social activities; "he was a model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of herself"
  8. great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity; "a good command of French"
  9. a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"; "I turned the controls over to her"
  10. a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
  11. the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.; "they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls"
verb
  1. exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the budget"; "Command the military forces"
  2. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; "moderate your alcohol intake"; "hold your tongue"; "hold your temper"; "control your anger"
  3. handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever"
  4. control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage; "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"
  5. check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard; "Are you controlling for the temperature?"
  6. verify by using a duplicate register for comparison; "control an account"
  7. be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something; "He verified that the valves were closed"; "See that the curtains are closed"; "control the quality of the product"
  8. have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of; "Do you control these data?"

"Control" in song lyrics

See how control is used in real songs:

  • "Yo, shorty slow your roll, yo, you out of control"
    1.4.0. Productions f/ Chapel, Livewire, Wise — Da Block is Hot
  • "I'm spitting bullets, you lost control"
    1.4.0. Productions f/ Crunch Lo, Lace — Exclusive Darts
  • "The whack, on the other hand, is out of control"
    404 Soliderz — Walk Like a Soldier *

Usage tips for "control"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "control" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for control to find words that pair well.

Look up another word