regulate

4 definitions • 8 examples

to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way:

You can regulate the temperature in the house by adjusting the thermostat.

[ + question word ] Her mother strictly regulates how much TV she can watch.

to control an activity or process by rules or a system:

A computer system regulates production.

[ + question word ] Their parents regulate how much TV the children can watch.

Regulate also means to adjust something to a desired level or standard:

As a diabetic, she regulates her sugar intake carefully.

to check that the activities of a business or organization are legal and follow official rules or laws:

Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce.

The agency regulates the financial services industry.

This government does not trust the public sector to regulate itself.