regulate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of

   regulate the temperature

2. 2
   verb

   To control or direct according to rule, principle, or law.

   the laws which regulate the succession of the seasons

3. 3
   verb

   To adjust (a mechanism) for accurate and proper functioning.

   to regulate a watch, i.e. adjust its rate of running so that it will keep approximately standard time

4. 4
   verb

   To put or maintain in order.

   to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances

5. 5
   verb

   check the emission of (sound)

6. 6
   verb

   shape or influence

7. 7
   verb

   bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage

8. 8
   verb

   To dictate policy.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin regulatus, perfect passive participle of regulō (“to direct, rule, regulate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from regula (“rule”), from regō (“to keep straight, direct, govern, rule”). Compare regle, rail. Displaced native Old English metegian.